If you’re managing or driving a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), staying on top of your MOT obligations is not optional—it’s the law. Whether you’re an individual operator, a fleet manager, or a buyer of used trucks, knowing how to perform an HGV MOT check is essential to avoid fines, breakdowns, and compliance issues.
This 2025 guide explains how to check MOT status on HGVs, trailers, and commercial fleets using official DVSA and DVLA tools. We also cover how to check MOT history, expiry dates, tax, and trailer certification—everything you need in one place.
What is an HGV MOT?
An HGV MOT test is a mandatory annual inspection for heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. It checks the vehicle’s safety, emissions, brakes, lighting, and roadworthiness. Unlike standard car MOTs, HGV MOTs are stricter and are carried out at DVSA-authorised test centres.
Vehicles that require an HGV MOT:
- Rigid trucks
- Articulated lorries
- Large goods vehicles (LGVs)
- HGV trailers
- Company-owned fleet trucks
Why Regular HGV MOT Checks Are Important
Performing an MOT check on your HGV or trailer ensures:
- Compliance with UK road safety laws
- Continued vehicle insurance validity
- Reduced risk of on-road vehicle seizure
- Lower maintenance costs by spotting issues early
Ignoring MOT checks can lead to:
- Fines up to £2,500
- Penalty points on your licence
- Your vehicle being banned from roads
Doing a quick MOT HGV check online can save your business from serious penalties.
How to Check HGV MOT Status Online
Official Method
- Visit https://mothistorychecker.com/car-history-checker/
- Enter your HGV registration number
- Click “Continue”
- View:
- MOT status (valid or expired)
- Expiry date
- Vehicle make and model
- Road tax status
This process is free and works for both rigid trucks and HGV trailers.
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How to Check HGV MOT History
Understanding past MOT results is crucial when buying a used HGV or auditing your fleet.
Use the MOT History Tool
- Go to https://mothistorychecker.com/car-mot-checker/
- Enter the HGV’s registration number
- Review:
- Pass/fail history
- Mileage at each test
- Advisory and failure notes
- Testing garage info
This tool helps you spot patterns like:
- Mileage discrepancies
- Repeated mechanical issues
- Poor maintenance history
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How to Check MOT on HGV Trailers
Not just the truck—the trailer MOT must also be valid if it’s used commercially.
Steps to Check HGV Trailer MOT:
- Visit the GOV.UK trailer registration page
- Use the TRN (Trailer Registration Number) or VIN
- View the MOT status, expiry, and certification history
Most semi-trailers and drawbar trailers require MOTs if over 3,500 kg GVW.
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How to Check HGV MOT and Tax Together
Save time by checking both MOT and vehicle tax status in one step.
Use This Tool:
www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
What You’ll See:
- HGV MOT status
- Tax due date
- SORN status (if declared off-road)
- Fuel type and CO2 emissions
This is essential for:
- Buyers checking compliance
- Fleet managers tracking multiple HGVs
- Anyone who wants to check MOT and tax for HGVs at once
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How to Check a Company or Fleet HGV MOT
If you manage multiple HGVs, you can’t manually check each one. Use tools like:
- DVSA’s Earned Recognition Scheme
- FleetCheck, Tachomaster, or similar software
- DVLA API for MOT and tax integration
Set up:
- Automated alerts for MOT due dates
- Reminders for each truck or trailer
- Custom dashboards for tracking compliance
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When is Your HGV MOT Due?
An HGV MOT is due annually, 12 months after the last test or after first registration.
How to Check MOT Due Date:
- Use the MOT checker tool
- Look at the most recent MOT certificate
- Use MOT reminder services from GOV.UK
Sign up for reminders at gov.uk/mot-reminder
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Is There an HGV MOT Extension in 2025?
No, MOT extensions for HGVs ended after the COVID-19 period.
What You Should Do:
- Never rely on old extensions
- Always check MOT status of HGV
- Book your MOT before expiry
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Common Reasons for HGV MOT Failures
Top Failure Points:
- Faulty brake systems
- Lighting and reflectors
- Tyre condition and tread
- Excessive emissions
- Steering and suspension issues
How to Prepare:
- Use a pre-MOT checklist
- Conduct daily walkaround checks
- Fix advisory notes before re-testing
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Tools & Apps for HGV MOT Checks
| Tool | Use Case |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK MOT Status Tool | Basic MOT and tax check |
| GOV.UK MOT History Tool | Full MOT record lookup |
| DVSA Trailer Check Portal | Trailer-specific MOT status |
| Fleet software (FleetCheck etc.) | Multi-vehicle monitoring |
| MOT Reminder Service | Get alerts via SMS or email |
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FAQs About HGV MOT Checks
Can I check HGV MOT online?
Yes. Use the official GOV.UK MOT status checker with the vehicle’s registration.
Can I check my trailer’s MOT?
Yes. Use the trailer VIN or TRN to check its MOT status on GOV.UK.
How long does an HGV MOT last?
12 months from the date of the test.
Is the MOT certificate still needed?
Yes, but digital records are legally accepted and accessible online.
Can I check MOT status of another company’s HGV?
Yes, MOT records are public. You just need the vehicle’s registration number.