When getting a used car, checking its MOT and tax status is non-negotiable. It makes sure the car is safe to drive and meets legal requirements. Skipping this step can result in fines, legal issues, or unexpected fixed expenses. Don’t worry, there are easy tools to simplify this process.
Here are 4 simple tools to check a car’s MOT and tax state, helping you feel confident before you buy.
1. Motorscan
Motorscan is a top-notch tool for running a thorough MOT check and car tax check. You only need the car’s registration number. Motorscan gets real-time information from official sources like the DVLA, so you can have correct and current details.
It gives information such as the MOT expiry date, test records, warnings, and tax status. If the car has missed its MOT tests or failed before, it will be obvious. The platform also shows outstanding finance, accident history, and mileage discrepancies, making it a one-stop solution.
Motorscan is fast, dependable, and easy to use, making it great for buyers who need quick and thorough reports.
2. GOV.UK Vehicle Enquiry Service
The GOV.UK Vehicle Enquiry Service is the official government site to check a car’s MOT and tax status. It’s easy to use and totally free. Simply enter the registration number to get basic information about the car, including its MOT and tax status.
You can check when the MOT expires, if the car is taxed, and see its MOT records, including any passes, fails, and advice. It may not give as much information as Motorscan, but it’s good for quick, simple checks directly from the DVLA database.
For the best details, it’s a good idea to combine this check with a detailed report from Motorscan.
3. Complete Car Inspection
Total Car Check provides both free and paid car history reports. The free check gives you the MOT status, tax information and basic data about the car. For a small fee, the premium report includes more in-depth data like outstanding finance, accident records, and even if the car was previously written off.
It’s a useful tool for buyers who need fast and trustworthy information while on the move. Total Car Check gathers information from reliable sources to ensure you receive correct and current data.
4. RAC Car Check
RAC Car Check is a reliable site to check a car’s MOT and tax state. Enter the registration number to get information about the MOT due date, tax status, and basic details about the car.
RAC provides paid reports that give thorough information about service history, unpaid loans, or insurance claims. It’s fast, effective, and supported by a well-known name in UK car services.
Why Checking MOT and Tax Status Is Important
An MOT check makes sure the car is safe to drive and good for the environment. Driving without a proper MOT is both against the law and unsafe. The test checks the brakes, lights, tires, pollution, and other related parts.
A car tax check shows that the vehicle has its tax paid and is legal. Driving a car without paying taxes can lead to fines or the car being taken away. It also gives you information about the car’s CO2 pollution, which can impact road tax prices.
These checks help you prevent legal issues and expensive fixes.
Check MOT and Tax Status Here!
You don’t need a lot. Only the car’s number plate number. To get more thorough reports, tools like Motorscan may require extra information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the reference number from the V5C document.
Always check the info from different sources to make sure it matches. If you see any differences, check into them more closely.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When checking MOT and tax state, watch for:
- Missed MOTs: Missing MOT records might indicate that the car was not being used because it was being repaired.
- Frequent Failures: A series of MOT failures may suggest poor maintenance.
- Old Tax: An unused car that hasn’t been charged could be in questionable shape.
If something seems off, ask the seller to explain it. If their answers are unclear, that’s a warning sign.
Using Different Tools Together for Better Accuracy
No single tool can do everything, so it’s better to use different systems. Begin by using the free GOV.UK check to confirm the car’s basic information like MOT status, tax end date, and vehicle data. This provides you with an approved update directly from the DVLA.
Next, use Motorscan for a detailed report. Motorscan uncovers secret problems such as incorrect mileage, unpaid loans, insurance claims, and accident records. This layered method helps you uncover details that a basic check might miss.
Using tools like Total Car Check and RAC Car Check together with Motorscan gives you extra confidence. These services check different databases, which can show problems in MOT history, tax records, or title information. If one tool finds a problem that others miss, it’s a good idea to look into it more.
You can think of it as checking information against other sources. The more sources you check, the better and more accurate your understanding will be. It’s like having several experts check a car’s past, which lowers the chances of unexpected issues after you buy it.
Conclusion
Checking a car’s MOT and tax status is important for safety and law. Skipping this step can result in getting a car that has hidden issues, such as expired tax, questionable MOT records, or unpaid loans.
Tools like Motorscan, GOV.UK, Total Car Check, and RAC Car Check make things fast and simple. They offer important information that helps you avoid expensive errors. A full vehicle history check that includes accident records and mileage verification is also included with platforms like Motorscan, in addition to MOT and tax information.
Don’t just trust what the seller says. Always check with reliable sources. Sellers might accidentally overlook important details, or they could even choose to hide them on purpose. A vehicle history check is a small cost that can save you from major financial and legal issues.
When you’re unsure, rely on tools like Motorscan. Their thorough reports help you feel confident in your purchases and avoid expensive errors. Buying a car is not just about the purchase; it’s about making a wise choice that ensures your safety and keeps you secure while driving.
