The facts
MOT checks
What an MOT covers, how long the history goes back, and what advisories and failures really mean.
- Can I drive without an MOT?
- Only in two cases: driving to a pre-booked MOT test, or to a garage for repairs. Otherwise driving without a valid MOT is an offence and can bring a fine of up to £1,000, and your insurance may be void. You can confirm any car's current MOT status and see every past test with a free MOT check.
- How far back does MOT history go?
- The DVSA's online MOT history reaches back to 2005, when the records were digitised. For most cars that means every test, mileage reading, advisory and failure for the past two decades. Reading it well is a skill in itself, which is why we wrote a guide on what an MOT history actually tells you.
- What is the difference between an MOT advisory and a failure?
- A failure means the car did not meet the legal standard and cannot be driven until it is fixed; an advisory is a note that something is wearing and will likely need attention before long. Advisories are not faults you must fix today, but a pattern of ignored ones is a warning sign. Our guide on MOT advisories explains which ones matter.
- How often does a car need an MOT?
- A car needs its first MOT three years after it is first registered, then once every year after that. The test date does not move with ownership, so a car you buy keeps its existing MOT expiry. Check the exact expiry date on any registration with a free MOT check.
- Does an MOT check the engine or count as a service?
- No. An MOT tests roadworthiness and safety at a moment in time; it does not check engine condition, clutch or gearbox wear, and it is not a service. A car can pass its MOT and still be due major work, which is why a full history and a mechanical inspection both matter before you buy.
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MOT history check