Free MOT Check UK
Instant Results from DVSA
Check any UK vehicle's MOT status, full test history and expiry date in seconds. Powered by official DVSA records — completely free.
What You Get with a Free MOT Check
Comprehensive MOT data from official government sources
Instant DVSA data
Get real-time MOT status pulled directly from DVSA records. See whether a vehicle has a valid MOT, when it was last tested, and when the next test is due.
Full MOT history
View every MOT test a vehicle has ever had — including passes, failures, advisory notices and dangerous defects. Ideal for used car buyers who want the full picture.
Mileage verification
Check recorded mileage at each MOT test to spot odometer discrepancies. Mileage clocking is a common fraud — protect yourself with official DVSA mileage records.
Free MOT Check + Premium Features from £7/month or £69/year
Free DVLA & MOT check
Our instant vehicle check is completely free to use. Enter any UK registration number to see MOT status, tax status, mileage history, vehicle specifications and more — powered by official DVSA and DVLA records.
Unlock ongoing monitoring
Subscribe to CarFile for automated MOT and tax reminders, expense tracking, fuel logging, service history management and digital document storage. Everything you need to manage your vehicle in one secure app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about checking MOT status in the UK
What is an MOT check?
An MOT check lets you look up the current MOT status of any UK-registered vehicle. It shows whether the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate, when it expires, and its full MOT test history — including advisories, failures and mileage readings at each test.
Is the MOT check free?
Yes. CarFile provides a free MOT and DVLA vehicle check using official government data. Simply enter a registration number on our DVLA Check page to see MOT status, tax status, mileage history and more — at no cost.
Where does the MOT data come from?
All MOT data comes directly from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and DVLA official records. This is the same data used by MOT testing stations and garages across the UK, so you can trust the accuracy of every result.
How do I check a vehicle's full MOT history?
Enter the vehicle's registration number on our free DVLA Check page. You will see every MOT test the vehicle has undergone, including pass and fail results, advisory notices, recorded mileage at each test, and the date of the next MOT due.
What does an MOT failure mean?
An MOT failure means the vehicle did not meet the minimum safety and environmental standards required by law. Common failure reasons include worn tyres, faulty brakes, defective lights, and excessive emissions. The vehicle must be repaired and retested before it can legally be driven on public roads.
Can I check the MOT status of any UK vehicle?
Yes. You can check the MOT status and history of any vehicle registered in England, Scotland, or Wales using its registration number. Northern Ireland vehicles use a separate system and are not included in DVSA records.
What is the difference between an MOT check and a DVLA check?
An MOT check focuses specifically on MOT test history and status. A DVLA check is broader — it includes MOT data plus vehicle tax status, CO2 emissions, engine size, colour, date of first registration and more. CarFile's free DVLA Check includes both in a single lookup.
Understanding the UK MOT Test
What is an MOT test and who needs one?
The MOT test is an annual inspection required for most vehicles in the UK that are over three years old. It checks that your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards set by the DVSA. The test covers brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tyres, exhaust emissions, bodywork and more. Without a valid MOT certificate, you cannot legally drive your vehicle on public roads — with the sole exception of driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment.
MOT tests must be carried out at an authorised testing station — garages approved by DVSA to conduct the inspection. You can book your test up to one month before your current MOT expires without losing any days on your certificate. This is known as the "MOT grace period" and is one of the best ways to avoid accidentally letting your MOT lapse.
The current MOT test fee cap is £54.85 for cars (set by DVSA), though many garages charge less to attract business. Motorcycles have a lower cap of £29.65. These fees cover the inspection only — any repairs needed to pass are charged separately by the garage.
What happens if your MOT fails or expires?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, the testing station will issue a failure certificate listing the reasons. These are categorised as dangerous defects (vehicle must not be driven), major defects (must be fixed and retested), or minor defects (should be repaired but the vehicle can still be driven). Advisory notices highlight items that may become failures in the future — these are worth monitoring between tests.
If your MOT has expired, driving your vehicle is an offence that can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Your car insurance may also be invalidated, and police ANPR cameras actively flag vehicles without a valid MOT. The vehicle can be seized on the spot if stopped by the police, and you could face penalty points on your driving licence.
Using CarFile, you can check your MOT expiry date instantly and set up automated reminders so you never face these penalties. Our free DVLA check shows your full MOT history, and a CarFile subscription adds proactive alerts at 4 weeks, 2 weeks and 3 days before expiry — giving you plenty of time to book and attend your test.
Check Your MOT Status Now
Enter any UK registration number to see full MOT history, status and expiry date — completely free.