MOT Photos at Test: What DVSA’s New Anti-Fraud Rule Means

Pass an MOT mechanic

Published November 2026. Since 3 August 2026, MOT testers in England, Scotland and Wales have been able t photograph a car during its test and upload the picture to DVSA's MOT system. It's designed to stop "ghost MOTs", where a certificate is issued for a car that was never there. Some reports say photos are … Continue reading MOT Photos at Test: What DVSA’s New Anti-Fraud Rule Means →

MOT History – Advisories, Risk Levels & How Long Records Last

MOT history

A vehicle’s MOT history is one of the most powerful tools available to buyers, dealers, and traders when assessing risk. Beyond simple pass or fail results, MOT records can reveal patterns of neglect, predict future repair costs, and highlight potential safety concerns. In this guide, we answer two key questions — and a few closely … Continue reading MOT History – Advisories, Risk Levels & How Long Records Last →

Can a Car Pass an MOT and Still Be Unsafe?

Pass an MOT mechanic

Many drivers assume that if a car has a valid MOT certificate, it must be safe to drive. However, this is one of the most misunderstood parts of vehicle ownership. So, can a car pass an MOT and still be unsafe? Yes — it absolutely can. In this guide, Total Car Check explains why an … Continue reading Can a Car Pass an MOT and Still Be Unsafe? →

How Long Does an MOT Take? A Complete Guide on Timings

MOT due date: MOT sign how long does an MOT take

If your MOT is coming up, one of the most common questions drivers ask is: how long does an MOT take? Whether you’re fitting it into a busy workday or waiting at the garage, understanding the typical MOT duration can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises. In this guide, we explain the average MOT … Continue reading How Long Does an MOT Take? A Complete Guide on Timings →

MOT Due Date: How to Check When Your MOT Runs Out

MOT due date: MOT sign how long does an MOT take

Check Vehicle Updated 22 October 2026. Knowing your MOT due date is essential for staying legal on UK roads. If your MOT expires, even by a single day, you risk fines, invalid insurance and the possibility of your vehicle being taken off the road. Despite this, many drivers forget their MOT date each year—especially after … Continue reading MOT Due Date: How to Check When Your MOT Runs Out →

How to Spot a Clocked Car Using Its MOT History

FeaturedVehicle digital odometer

Updated 3 November 2026. A clocked car is one whose mileage has been wound back to make it look less used and worth more. It's quick and cheap to do with equipment sold online, and it can add thousands to a car's price. The good news is that every MOT records the mileage, so a … Continue reading How to Spot a Clocked Car Using Its MOT History →

Government considers changes to MOT

FeaturedMOT sign with van driving passed

The Government has recently launched a consultation asking for feedback on proposed changes to the annual MOT test. We provide some background about the MOT and look at what is being put forward. What is an MOT? The annual MOT test has been in place since the 1960s - named after the Government Ministry of … Continue reading Government considers changes to MOT →

Will modernising vehicle standards prevent clocking?

FeaturedHands adjusting mileage on odometer with screwdrivers

Clocking, the informal term for rolling back the mileage on a vehicle's odometer. In the UK adjusting a vehicle's mileage itself is not a crime, but selling a vehicle with adjusted mileage is. If you purchase a clocked car then at best it will be worth much less than what you paid for it, and … Continue reading Will modernising vehicle standards prevent clocking? →

Analysing half a billion MOT records

What we found when we looked at the MOT history of over 62.7m vehicles. We analysed over 560m individual MOT tests from 2005-2020. Date Published: 9th July 2020Author: David James, CEO Source of the data used We analysed over 560 million individual MOT test records, from over 62.7 million unique vehicles to see if we … Continue reading Analysing half a billion MOT records →