If you own a vehicle in the UK, you'll be aware of the annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test required to ensure your car meets safety and environmental standards. However, when it comes to buying a used vehicle, checking the MOT history is crucial to ensure you're purchasing a car that is roadworthy and has been well-maintained. In this guide, we'll provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to check your MOT history.
What
is an MOT?
An MOT is a mandatory annual test that checks if your vehicle
meets safety and environmental standards set by the UK government. It's a legal
requirement for vehicles that are over three years old to undergo an MOT test
to make sure they are safe to be driven on UK roads.
Why
is it important to check your MOT history?
Checking your MOT history can give you an insight into the
condition of the vehicle and its maintenance history. If the vehicle has a long
list of previous failures and repairs, it could be a sign of a problematic car
that may require expensive repairs in the future. Therefore, check mot is an essential
step before purchasing a used vehicle.
How
to check your MOT history
There are three main methods to check your MOT history:
Check
MOT history online
The easiest and most convenient way to check your MOT history
is online. You can use the official government website to check
mot history of your vehicle's by entering your registration number, MOT
test number, or the document reference number.
The website will display your vehicle's current MOT status
and expiry date, along with the details of previous MOT tests, including any
faults, advisories, and failures.
Check
MOT history by text
Another way to check your MOT history is by sending a text
message to the number 78888 with the message "MOT" followed by a
space and then your vehicle's registration number. Within a few seconds, you
will receive a text message containing your vehicle's current check mot status
and expiry date.
Check
MOT history by phone
You can also check your MOT history by calling the
government's MOT status line on 0300 123 9000. You will need to provide your
vehicle's registration number, and the agent will give you the vehicle's MOT
status and expiry date.
Checking
your MOT history in person
You can also visit any authorized MOT test center and ask for
a printed copy of your vehicle's MOT history. However, there may be a fee for
this service, and it may take several days to receive the information.
How
to interpret your MOT history
When you check your MOT history, you will see the details of
all previous MOT tests, including the reasons for failures and advisories. It's
important to understand how to interpret the information to make an informed
decision about the condition of the vehicle.
Pass - This indicates that your vehicle has passed the MOT
test and is roadworthy.
Advisory - This means that the MOT tester has found an issue
with your vehicle that could become more serious over time. Although the car
has passed the test, it's worth keeping an eye on this issue and getting it
resolved at your earliest convenience.
Minor - This means that the MOT tester has identified a minor
fault that does not affect the safety of the vehicle. You'll still receive a
pass certificate, but it's worth getting the issue fixed as soon as possible.
Major - This indicates that the MOT tester has found a
significant problem that needs urgent attention. The vehicle will fail the MOT
test if this issue is not resolved.
Dangerous - This means that the MOT tester has identified a
severe issue that could cause significant danger to the driver, passengers, or
other road users. The vehicle will fail the MOT test if it's deemed dangerous,
and it's illegal.
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