How to Check MOT Status | Saga Car Insurance

Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, keeping track of your vehicle’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) status is essential. Ignoring MOT regulations can result in fines, points on your licence and even disqualification. Thankfully, you can check your MOT status easily online.

Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to check your MOT status, the tools available and the importance of regular checks. We’ll also provide information on where to get an MOT test, how much it’ll cost and how to review your vehicle’s complete MOT history.

What is an MOT?

An MOT test is an annual inspection for vehicles in the UK to ensure they are roadworthy and meet environmental standards. These tests are conducted by DVSA-approved testers who examine various parts of your vehicle, like the brakes, exhaust system and lights.

New vehicles are exempt from MOT testing for the first three years. After that, all vehicles must undergo and pass an MOT test every 12 months.

It’s crucial to ensure your vehicle passes its MOT test and that you have a valid MOT certificate. Driving without one is illegal.

How to check your MOT status

Checking your vehicle’s MOT status is simple. Just visit the Government website and follow these steps:

Enter your vehicle’s registration number.
Confirm your vehicle’s make and colour. If the details aren’t right, you can search again.
Verify your MOT status and expiry date.

It may take a couple of days for your MOT status to update on the Government website after a test. If the status still needs to be corrected after this period, contact the DVSA.

Why should you check your MOT status?

Regularly checking your vehicle’s MOT status is crucial for several reasons:

Legality: Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in prosecution and fines.
Safety and Maintenance: Reviewing your vehicle’s MOT history helps you identify recurring faults and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
Budgeting: Knowing when your MOT is due allows you to budget for the test and any necessary repairs.
Selling: A valid MOT certificate is essential if you plan to sell your vehicle.
Buying: Checking the MOT status of a used vehicle provides insight into its maintenance history and overall condition.

Where to go to get an MOT test

To get your MOT, you need to visit an approved MOT test centre. These centres are easily recognisable by their blue signs featuring three white triangles. Contact a test centre that’s conveniently located and book your vehicle for an appointment.

Remember, it’s a legal requirement to have valid car insurance when driving your vehicle to its MOT test. Without insurance, you risk fines and points on your licence. So, make sure you check if your car is insured before hitting the road.

Ali Ingram Seal, Saga Car Insurance Product Manager, advises:

"There’s no specific time of year when MOTs are inherently cheaper, but avoiding peak times, such as the end of the month or just before public holidays, can make it easier to book a convenient slot. Some garages may offer discounts during quieter periods, so it’s worth checking around."

How to check your car’s MOT history

You can easily check your car’s MOT history online. Just enter your registration number on the Government website. You’ll see if your car passed or failed, the mileage at each test, and where the tests were done (if you have the 11-digit number from the log book). If your car failed, you’ll also see which parts didn’t pass.

How much is an MOT test?

The cost of an MOT test varies based on your vehicle type. For cars and caravans, the maximum fee is £54.85. Motorcycles are capped at £29.65, but if your motorcycle has a sidecar, the price can increase to £37.80.

MOT test stations can choose to charge less than these maximum amounts, but they can’t exceed them.

How long does an MOT take?

An average MOT typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour. However, if your vehicle fails the test and requires repairs, it may take longer.

Some test centres may ask you to drop off your vehicle in the morning and will notify you when it’s ready for pickup. Therefore, it’s wise to plan for the possibility of being without your vehicle for the entire day.

What can fail an MOT?

In the UK, there are four categories of MOT test result failures: dangerous, major, minor, and advisory. If your vehicle receives a dangerous or major result, it has failed its MOT, and you can only drive it once the issues are resolved. Examples of dangerous and major faults include:

Worn brake discs
Cracked windscreen
Broken number plate
Oil leak
Damaged suspension
Bald tyres
Faulty exhaust or exhaust system leak
Defective windscreen wipers

Can I drive without an MOT?

In most cases, it’s illegal to drive your vehicle without a valid MOT. If you’re caught, you could face prosecution, points on your licence and fines of up to £2,500.

There are a couple of exceptions, though, including:

If you’re driving to an MOT test.
If you’re driving to a garage for repairs after your vehicle has failed its MOT. This is only acceptable if the MOT found no faults that are considered dangerous, and your existing MOT is still valid.

What happens if my vehicle fails an MOT?

If your vehicle fails its MOT, it is deemed unroadworthy. You must not drive it until it has been repaired, except when driving it to the garage for repairs.