uk-vehicle-tax

Taxing a Car After SORN or When Buying: Rates and Rules for 2026/27

Vehicle tax must be in place before a car is driven after SORN or purchase. The 2026/27 standard rate is £200 a year for most cars registered from April 2017, and tax always starts from the first day of the current month. Taxing online takes minutes with the V5C or V11 reference.

23 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

DVLA Scam Warning: Fake Texts, Websites and Emails Targeting UK Motorists

DVLA warns about fake websites and scam texts targeting motorists. DVLA never requests payment by text. All legitimate DVLA services are on gov.uk only.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

DVSA Driving Test Waiting Times 2026: New Data Released and What It Costs Learners

The DVSA has released updated waiting time data for practical driving tests across the UK in June 2026. Long delays at some test centres are adding hundreds of pounds to the cost of learning to drive through additional lessons. Here is what the new data shows.

19 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

MOT Advisory: Exhaust: What the Note Means

An MOT exhaust advisory flags corrosion, a minor leak or a worn mounting on the exhaust that has not yet failed. What the note means and when an exhaust problem becomes a major MOT defect.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Headlamp Aim and the MOT: What an Advisory Means

Headlamp aim is an MOT test item. What an advisory or failure for headlamp aim means, why aim drifts, and how it is set, with primary UK sources only.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

MOT Advisory: Oil Leak: What It Means and When It Fails

An MOT oil leak advisory flags a slight leak that is not yet severe enough to fail. What the note means, the difference between a slight and a serious leak, and when an oil leak becomes an MOT failure.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

MOT Advisory: Suspension Arm Bush Worn: What It Means

A suspension arm bush worn advisory flags wear in a rubber suspension bush that has not yet failed. What the note means, what a bush does, and when worn bushes become a major MOT defect.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

MOT Advisory: Brake Pads Wearing Thin: What It Means

A brake pads wearing thin advisory means the friction material is getting low but has not yet reached a failure point. What the note means, how pads wear, and when thin pads become an MOT failure.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

MOT Advisory: Tyre Slightly Damaged, Cracking or Perishing

A tyre slightly damaged cracking or perishing advisory means the rubber is showing age or surface cracks but has not yet failed. What it means, why rubber perishes, and when it becomes a major defect.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

New MOT Rules 2026: What Has Changed and How to Check

New MOT rules explained: the May 2018 defect grading remains the last major change to how faults are recorded, how DVSA announces updates, and where to verify the current rules for 2026.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

MOT Test Centre Near Me: How to Find a DVSA-Approved Station

How to find an MOT test centre near you using the official gov.uk service, what the blue three-triangles approval sign means, the questions worth asking a garage, and the maximum fees DVSA allows.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Pre MOT Checklist: Simple Checks to Do Before the Test

A practical pre MOT checklist covering the lights, tyres, screen wash, wipers and other quick checks a driver can make before the test to avoid an avoidable fail. UK rules, primary sources only.

12 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

How to Check Tax and MOT Status of Any Vehicle

Two free GOV.UK services let you check any vehicle's tax and MOT status from its registration number. Find out what each one returns, why people check both and how the records connect.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Class 7 MOT: The Test for Larger Vans Explained

A Class 7 MOT covers goods vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg design gross weight. Find out how it differs from a Class 4 car test, what the 58.60 GBP cap covers and where to find a testing station.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Can You Drive to an MOT Without a Valid MOT?

The law lets you drive a vehicle without a current MOT, but only to a pre-booked test and only if it is otherwise roadworthy and insured. Find out exactly what the exception covers and where it ends.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Does a SORN Car Need an MOT?

A vehicle under a Statutory Off Road Notification does not need a valid MOT while it stays off the road. Find out when the MOT matters again and the one journey a SORN car may legally make.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Can You Tax a Car Without an MOT?

In almost every case you cannot tax a car without a valid MOT, because DVLA checks the MOT record automatically when you apply. There are narrow exceptions, such as MOT-exempt vehicles and driving to a pre-booked test. Here is how the rule works.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Service History vs MOT History: What Each One Tells You

Service history is the private record of maintenance kept by garages and owners. MOT history is the public DVSA test record. They prove different things, and a careful used-car buyer looks at both. Here is what each one tells you.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Outstanding Recall Check: How to See if a Vehicle Has an Unfixed Recall

A manufacturer can recall a vehicle to fix a safety defect, and the repair is free, but a standard MOT does not generally check for it. The GOV.UK recall service lets you see whether a vehicle has an outstanding recall. Here is how it works.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Car Mileage Check: How to Spot Clocking Using MOT History

Every MOT test records the odometer reading, so the public MOT history builds a timeline of a car's mileage. A reading that falls or jumps implausibly is a warning sign of clocking. Here is how to read the sequence before you buy.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

How to Check MOT History Before Buying a Used Car

The free GOV.UK MOT history check reveals pass and fail dates, recorded mileage, advisories and failure reasons. Learn how to read the record, spot red flags and use it alongside a viewing.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Motorcycle MOT: What It Covers, Cost and When It Is Due

A motorcycle needs its first MOT three years from registration. Learn the fee cap of 29.65 GBP, what the test checks, the difference between Class 1 and Class 2, and which machines may be exempt.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

HGV MOT Check: How to Check a Lorry's Annual Test Online

Heavy goods vehicles take a DVSA annual test, not the car MOT. Learn how the test differs, when the first test is due, what it covers and how to check a lorry's test history and plating online via GOV.UK.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

When Does a New Car Need Its First MOT?

Most new cars need their first MOT on the third anniversary of registration. Find the exact date with the GOV.UK MOT status check, learn which vehicles test earlier and what happens if the deadline is missed.

16 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

How Early Can You Do an MOT and Keep the Same Renewal Date?

Testing up to one calendar month minus a day before expiry preserves your existing anniversary date. Learn how the new expiry is calculated in that window, what happens if you test earlier and how to check your current date.

16 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

MOT Certificate: How to View, Download or Replace Yours Online

Your MOT result is held on the DVSA database and can be viewed and printed free through the GOV.UK check MOT history service. Learn what you need, what to do if a paper copy is lost and whether you must carry it.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

How Long Does an MOT Take? Typical Times and What Affects Them

A standard car MOT usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes, though queues, repairs and partial retests can extend the time. Learn what a tester checks, why the test cannot be rushed and how waiting compares with dropping off.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

MOT Advisories Explained: A Complete List of Common Advisory Notices

An MOT advisory flags a component that passed but is wearing or beginning to fail. Learn how advisories sit alongside dangerous, major and minor defects, where to read them and how to act on the most common notices.

16 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

MOT Advisory: Play in the Steering Rack: What It Means

A play in the steering rack advisory flags free movement that has not yet reached a failure. Learn what causes it, the safety implications, and when it becomes a major fault.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

MOT Corrosion Advisory: What It Means and When It Becomes a Failure

A corrosion advisory flags rust that has not yet weakened a structural area. Learn the difference between surface rust and structural corrosion, and when it fails the MOT.

16 Jun 2026 · 6 min read