Question 1

What is an MOT check?

Accepted Answer

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual safety and emissions inspection required for vehicles over 3 years old in the UK. It checks essential safety features like brakes, lights, tyres, and exhaust emissions to ensure your vehicle meets minimum roadworthy standards.

Question 2

Is MOTCO free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Basic MOT history checks are completely free. You can view test dates, mileage history, pass/fail results, and advisories at no cost. We also offer premium PDF reports with comprehensive checks including write-off, stolen vehicle, and finance status for £4.99 + VAT.

Question 3

How accurate is the MOT history data?

Accepted Answer

Our data comes directly from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) official database, the same source used by garages and the government. It's updated in real-time and 100% accurate.

Question 4

Can I check MOT history for any UK vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can check any vehicle registered in the UK that's over 3 years old. Simply enter the registration number. Vehicles under 3 years old won't have MOT history as they're exempt from testing.

Question 5

What information does an MOT history show?

Accepted Answer

MOT history reveals test dates, pass/fail results, mileage at each test, advisories (early warnings), and reasons for any failures. This helps you spot patterns, verify mileage, and identify recurring problems.

Question 6

Why should I check MOT history before buying?

Accepted Answer

MOT history reveals the true condition and maintenance of a vehicle. It exposes mileage tampering, recurring faults, deferred maintenance, and potential future repairs. This information helps you negotiate better prices and avoid problem vehicles.

Question 7

What are MOT advisories?

Accepted Answer

Advisories are early warnings of wear or deterioration that don't cause MOT failure yet. They indicate items that should be monitored or repaired soon. Repeated advisories often become failures in subsequent tests if ignored.

Question 8

Can I check my vehicle's tax status?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MOTCO shows current tax status alongside MOT history. You can see if a vehicle is taxed, when tax expires, and calculate annual road tax costs based on emissions and registration date.

Question 9

What's included in the premium PDF report?

Accepted Answer

Our £4.99 + VAT premium report includes comprehensive MOT history, write-off check, stolen vehicle check, outstanding finance check, risk intelligence scoring (0-10), weighted keyword analysis highlighting critical issues, professional formatting, mileage graphs, and detailed defect summaries. Everything you need for a safe purchase.

Question 10

How do I set up MOT reminders?

Accepted Answer

After checking a vehicle, you can set up free email reminders. Premium report purchasers also get SMS and WhatsApp reminder options. Choose how many weeks before expiry you want to be notified (1-4 weeks).

Question 11

Can I check if a car has outstanding finance?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our £4.99 + VAT premium report includes an outstanding finance check, along with stolen vehicle status and write-off history. This comprehensive check protects you from buying a vehicle with hidden financial or legal issues.

Question 12

What is a write-off check?

Accepted Answer

A write-off check reveals if a vehicle has been declared an insurance total loss (Categories A, B, C, D, S, or N). This happens when repair costs exceed the vehicle's value. Some categories are illegal to drive, others affect value significantly. Our premium report includes this essential safety check.

Question 13

How does the stolen vehicle check work?

Accepted Answer

Our premium report checks against the police national database to verify if a vehicle has been reported stolen. Buying a stolen vehicle means you lose both the car and your money, with potential legal complications. This check provides crucial protection for any purchase.

Question 14

What does a failed MOT mean?

Accepted Answer

A failed MOT means the vehicle didn't meet minimum safety or emissions standards. Failures are categorized as Dangerous (immediate risk) or Major (shouldn't be driven). The vehicle must be repaired and retested before it's legal to drive.

Question 15

How often should I check MOT history?

Accepted Answer

Check before viewing any used car you're considering buying. Also check your own vehicle's history annually to see what advisories appeared and plan for upcoming maintenance or MOT preparation.

Question 16

Can MOT history show if mileage has been clocked?

Accepted Answer

Yes! MOT records show mileage at each test. If the mileage decreases between tests, shows impossibly low annual increases, or has sudden jumps, this indicates potential tampering. Our system highlights mileage discrepancies.

Question 17

What's the difference between Major and Dangerous failures?

Accepted Answer

Dangerous failures are immediate safety risks (severely worn brakes, major steering faults). The vehicle cannot legally be driven. Major failures are serious but slightly less critical. Both require repair before the vehicle passes MOT.

Question 18

Do I need an MOT if my car is off the road?

Accepted Answer

No. If you've declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), MOT isn't required. However, you'll need a valid MOT before taxing and using the vehicle on public roads again.

Question 19

Can I use MOT history to negotiate price?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Use advisories and failures as negotiation leverage. Calculate repair costs for noted issues and factor into your offer. Recent failures or recurring problems justify significant price reductions.

Question 20

How far back does MOT history go?

Accepted Answer

DVSA records typically go back to 2005. Older vehicles may have incomplete history. The further back the records go, the better picture you get of long-term maintenance and care.

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