Comparison · MotR vs DVLA
MotR vs DVLA MOT Checker
Many UK drivers search for a DVLA MOT checker — but MOT history is actually a DVSA record. Here is what DVLA and DVSA each hold, and how MotR brings both together in one free check.
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DVLA, DVSA and MotR
DVLA holds: vehicle tax status, registration details, keeper information, fuel type, engine size. DVSA holds: MOT test history, mileage at test, advisories and pass/fail records. MotR uses both DVLA and DVSA data to provide a combined free check — tax status, MOT status, full test history and mileage records in one place. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA or DVSA.
DVLA vs DVSA vs MotR: What Each Holds
| Data type | DVLA | DVSA | MotR (uses both) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax (VED) status and due date | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vehicle registration details | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Make, model, colour, fuel type | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| MOT status and expiry | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full MOT test history | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mileage at each MOT test | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MOT advisories and failures | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reminders and notifications | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vehicle management tools | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. Data is retrieved via official APIs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DVLA vehicle enquiry service?
The DVLA vehicle enquiry service (available at GOV.UK) lets you check a vehicle's tax status, tax due date, and basic vehicle details (make, colour, fuel type, engine size). It does not show MOT history — that is a DVSA service accessed at a different GOV.UK page. Both are official, free government tools.
What is the difference between DVLA and DVSA?
DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) holds records on vehicles and drivers — tax status, registered keeper details, vehicle specifications. DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) is responsible for MOT tests, test history, and vehicle safety standards. MOT history comes from DVSA; tax status and keeper records come from DVLA. MotR uses data from both agencies.
Can DVLA tell me MOT history?
No — DVLA does not hold MOT history records. MOT history is held by DVSA. To check full MOT test history (including past tests, mileage at each test, advisories and failures), use the DVSA MOT history checker at GOV.UK or a third-party service such as MotR that uses the DVSA API.
Does MotR show tax status and MOT history together?
Yes. MotR combines DVLA tax status data with DVSA MOT history in a single vehicle check, giving you MOT status, expiry date, full test history, mileage records, tax status and due date — in one place, free.
Is MotR connected to DVLA or DVSA?
MotR uses official DVLA and DVSA APIs to retrieve vehicle data. It is not an official product of, affiliated with, or endorsed by DVLA, DVSA, or GOV.UK. The data MotR provides comes from the same official government sources as the GOV.UK tools, accessed via the official APIs.
Why might someone search for a DVLA MOT checker?
Many people search for 'DVLA MOT checker' when looking for a free MOT check tool. In practice, MOT history is a DVSA service rather than DVLA. The distinction matters because DVLA and DVSA hold different records. For MOT history: DVSA. For tax status and vehicle registration: DVLA.
SR
Ste RobinsonFounder, MotR
·4 min read
Ste Robinson is the founder of MotR, helping UK drivers check MOT history, tax status, vehicle records and ownership information using official DVLA and DVSA data.
MOT & DVSA regulationsUK vehicle taxationRunning costsUsed car buying
Free MOT + Tax Check in One
DVLA tax status, DVSA MOT history, mileage records — all in one free check.
Check Vehicle FreeDVLA holds vehicle and keeper records; DVSA holds MOT test history. MotR uses both via official APIs. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. Last reviewed 13 June 2026.
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