Tax and MOT check
3 minutes

Buying a used car is exciting, but don’t let the thrill cloud your judgment. A car may look spotless, but what about its past? Performing a tax and MOT check is vital. It helps you avoid costly surprises and ensures you’re getting a reliable ride.

What is a Tax and MOT check?

A MOT and tax check helps buyers ensure a vehicle’s roadworthiness and legal compliance before making a purchase. It provides details on past MOT failures, tax expiry dates, and any advisories that may indicate future repair costs. A car with repeated failures might be a ticking time bomb.

Why you should check a car is taxed and MOT?

Skipping a Tax and MOT check can lead to trouble:

  • Legal issues – Driving without a valid MOT or tax can lead to fines up to £1,000.
  • Hidden costs – A poor MOT history may mean future repairs worth thousands.
  • Insurance invalidation – Most insurers won’t cover cars without valid road tax or MOT.

How to get a free tax & MOT check before buying a used car?

A quick MOT check and road tax check can save you from future headaches. Here’s how:

  1. Use MOT & Tax checker online tools – Just enter the reg number online.
  2. Check the expiry dates – Ensure the MOT and tax are valid.
  3. Review past advisories – Repeated issues may mean costly repairs.

🚗Get your Free Tax and MOT check now!

Understanding road tax when buying a used car

Road tax is a must when buying a used car. Without it, you can’t legally drive unless the car has a valid SORN. Before purchasing a used car, check its tax status to confirm if you need to tax it before driving.

If the car isn’t taxed, sort it out straight away online, at a Post Office, or via Direct Debit. Road tax doesn’t transfer, so you need to re-tax it in your name after buying.

How MOT check and road tax check help in the used car buying process?

When buying a used car, you want confidence in your purchase. Checking the MOT history and road tax status helps in several ways:

  • Identifies potential mechanical issues – Past MOT failures highlight recurring problems that could lead to expensive repairs.
  • Confirms roadworthiness – Ensures the car meets safety and emission standards.
  • Avoids fines and penalties – Ensures the vehicle has valid road tax to avoid legal trouble.
  • Helps negotiate a better price – If the MOT history reveals advisories or past failures, you may use this to get a better deal.
  • Prevents buying a stolen or cloned car – Checking tax and MOT details helps verify if the vehicle records match official DVLA data.

What are common MOT failures to look for?

Many cars fail their MOT for common issues. Here are a few to watch out for:

  • Faulty brakes and worn tyres
  • Damaged suspension and steering components
  • Headlight, indicator, and brake light failures
  • Exhaust emissions exceeding legal limits

📖Know more about the MOT test process here!

Shocking MOT stats every buyer should know in 2025

  • Over 1.5 million cars fail their MOT due to dangerous defects. (Source: DVSA)
  • 1 in 3 used cars fail their first MOT test. (Source: RAC)
  • 40% of buyers don’t check a car’s MOT history before purchase. (Source: Auto Express)

Would you buy a car without knowing if its brakes or suspension are in top shape? Probably not!

What caranalytics provides in its tax and MOT check?

caranalytics offers a comprehensive tax and MOT check using DVLA data. With just a vehicle registration number, you get:

  • MOT history report – Past test results, failures, and advisories, MOT counts & due date.
  • Road tax status – Find out if the car is taxed and when it expires.
  • Mileage discrepancies – Spot potential odometer fraud.

All information is retrieved instantly and presented clearly sourced from DVLA. This helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid risky purchases.

Final thoughts

Buying a used car without checking its MOT history and road tax status is like buying a house without checking for leaks. You wouldn’t risk it, so why risk your car? A quick online check takes seconds but can save you thousands.



Answering your questions

What happens if I buy a used car and the MOT expires soon?

If the MOT is close to expiry, you should get it tested before driving it long distances. If it fails, you may need to repair the vehicle before getting a new MOT, which can add to your costs.

Can I buy a used car without tax and MOT?

Technically, yes, but it’s not advisable. A car without MOT cannot be driven legally on public roads, except to a pre-booked MOT test. Also, an untaxed vehicle cannot be driven unless declared off-road with a SORN.

What if a used car I just bought fails its MOT?

If a car fails its MOT right after purchase, it cannot be legally driven until repaired and retested. Always check MOT history before buying to avoid unexpected repair costs. If this happens, speak to the seller—some dealers may offer help or cover minor repairs.

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