If you’re considering purchasing a second-hand car, one of the most important things you should do prior to parting with any cash is to check vehicle MOT history. This is the most comprehensive way to find out if there are any hidden defects or things to be concerned about from the car’s history.
You can check vehicle MOT history for all post-2005 vehicles by visiting the gov.uk site. Simply enter the registration details when prompted and you’ll be presented with a full history, stretching back to the first MOT test. The gov.uk site covers all vehicles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Everything important about the car’s history will be covered: whether it passed or failed previous MOT tests; the recorded mileage when it was tested; parts that failed MOT tests (or if they had any minor problems); the mileage when the tests were conducted; the location of the tests.
Nothing. To check vehicle MOT history is free. All you need is the vehicle’s registration number.
Once your car is three years old it will need to be tested on an annual basis. This is to ensure it remains in a safe, roadworthy and emissions compliant state. The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is required if any vehicle is to be driven on any surface classed as a road under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Results are available to view the moment the test centre posts them.
We certainly do. If you book your MOT with a service it costs £25 (£65 if booked independently).
You can have it re-tested for free up to ten days after the test.
To find out what is checked during an MOT test, click here and select the relevant model.
Yes. Tests can be booked up to a month prior to the due date. The remaining time on your old certificate will be rolled over onto the new one.
