Before purchasing a used car, checking its car MOT history helps avoid costly repairs and ensures roadworthiness. An MOT history check is a powerful source of information. In the UK, vehicles older than three years require an annual MOT test to meet safety and environmental standards.
Originally, MOT came into action during 1960 for the annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness and emissions rates. Know your vehicle with MOT history, if there is any indication of failures then it has higher risks of mechanical issues and an increase in financial cost in fixing the problems.
Now, to shop for the next used car, check these signs from the MOT to give huge insights to the buyers. Here are the things that you can get from the MOT history reports.
How MOT categorises the vehicle?
As of January 2024, the UK government decided to maintain the first MOT test at 3 years from a vehicle’s registration date, after considering extending it to four years. This applies to vehicles registered in England, Wales, and Scotland. (Source:gov.uk)
MOT Test in Northern Ireland
The MOT schedule differs in Northern Ireland. From 1 June 2024, some private cars received a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC), extending their MOT validity by 12 months. This applies to:
- Vehicles first registered between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020
- Vehicles first registered between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018, with a valid Northern Ireland MOT (Source: nidirect.gov.uk)
MOT Defect Categories
The MOT test categorizes defects as:
- Dangerous – Immediate failure, vehicle unsafe to drive
- Major – Fails the test, requiring urgent repairs
- Minor – Passes but requires fixing soon
- Advisory – Potential issues that need attention
- Pass – Meets legal safety standards
These categories apply to cars, vans, motorcycles, and light passenger vehicles.
What car parts are checked in an MOT test?
The experts recommend that vehicles have to meet the legal standards when it takes for the MOT test. Keep in mind; the MOT is not the same as the car service. Although, the MOT test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch, and gearbox.
Then, what does MOT covers?
1. Structural and Safety Components
- Body, vehicle structure & general items– to trace the signs of any damage or to cause damage.
- Tow bars– Check the 13 pins electrical socket, speedometer & engine mountings are secure & working correctly.
- Fuel system– Inspect if there are any leaks, pipes & hoses are secure, fuel cap seals securely.
- Exhaust emissions– Inspected based on the vehicle’s age & fuel type and inspect it meets the exhaust emissions rules.
- Exhaust system– Check if it is secure, runs without leaks or too much noise.
- Seatbelts– Check that it is in place, suitable for the vehicle and in good condition. Dashboard warning lights are also under the MOT test to check the airbags.
- Seats– Check the driver seat is fitted correctly & seatbacks can fix in the upright position.
- Doors– Check the latch is secure, front & rear doors open from inside and outside the vehicle, check the hinges & catches are in good condition.
- Mirrors– Check their condition and security.
- Load security– Check the boot or tailgate working properly.
2. Operational and Identification Checks
- Brakes– Check the condition, operation, performance, ABS (anti-lock braking system) & ESC (electronic stability control) system.
- Tyres & wheels– Check for the condition, security, tyre size, type & tread depth.
- Registration plates– Check for the condition, secure attachment, colour, characters are correctly formed & spaced.
- Lights & Bonnet – Check for their condition; operation includes HID and LED headlamps, warning lights are working correctly. And bonnet to check it closes securely.
- Windscreen, wipers & washers– Check for the condition, driver’s view on the road.
- Steering and suspension– Check their condition, steering oil level, any improper repairs & modifications, steering lock mechanism.
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – Check that a single VIN is displayed and exempt on multi-stage vehicles: van conversion, BMW, Alpina, etc.
- Horn & electrical: Check it works properly & suitable for the vehicle.
If you will take the next MOT and look for the vehicle parts, don’t waste time as we are helping to get the required parts. You can visit our partner site, euro parts & get benefits from high-quality of a replacement car.
A MOT history checker helps buyers identify any past advisories on these components before committing to a purchase. And, as a buyer, you can find advisory notes of your chosen vehicle from checking the MOT certificate. It is a signal to reconsider your purchasing idea.
Caranalytics free car check reports disclose the MOT due date, MOT history, advisory notes, and MOT status by entering the vehicle registration number. You can find the MOT history check reports both in our free & premium reports.
Is private MOT history check the same as DVLA MOT history?
The car MOT history from private providers and the DVLA MOT history both show past test results, but private reports often include additional insights. A MOT history checker from private services may provide advisory notes, previous failures, and potential issues, helping buyers view MOT history more comprehensively along with the vehicle specifications, mileage history and tax status.
Check your MOT history before your car checks out on you
Checking a car’s MOT history is like reading its medical records—essential before buying. You wouldn’t adopt a pet without knowing its health, so why risk it with a car? An MOT check helps you spot hidden issues, avoid surprise repairs, and ensure roadworthiness.
