HGV, lorry and bus MOT check
Check annual test results for lorries, buses and coaches by registration.
Free. No sign-up. Data from the DVSA MOT history database.
Lorries, buses, coaches and heavy trailers do not take a standard MOT. They take an annual test run by DVSA, usually at an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF). Enter a registration above to see the annual test results, expiry date and defects for any HGV, bus or coach tested in Great Britain since 2018.
Which vehicles take an annual test?
| Vehicle | Test | First test due |
|---|---|---|
| Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg design gross weight (lorries, HGVs) | HGV annual test | 1 year after first registration |
| Buses and coaches (public service vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats) | PSV annual test | 1 year after first registration |
| Trailers over 3,500 kg | Trailer annual test | 1 year after first supplied |
| Vans up to 3,000 kg | Class 4 MOT | 3 years |
| Vans 3,001 to 3,500 kg | Class 7 MOT | 3 years |
For lighter vans, see our van MOT check.
What the annual test records show
- Test date and result (pass or fail)
- Expiry date of the current test certificate
- Defects found at each test
- Odometer readings where recorded
- Test location for heavy vehicles, where available
Heavy vehicle records in the DVSA database start in 2018 for Great Britain and 2017 for Northern Ireland.
Trailers
Trailers are identified by a trailer ID rather than a registration number. Our checker searches by registration, so for trailer test history use the official DVSA service with the trailer ID.
Pass after rectification (PRS)
At heavy vehicle tests you may see items marked PRS, which stands for “pass after rectification at the station”. It means a minor defect was found and fixed during the test, so the vehicle passed. PRS items still appear on the record, which helps operators spot recurring faults.
Reminders for operators
The free GOV.UK reminder service sends a text or email two months before a lorry, bus or large trailer test is due. That gives time to book an ATF slot and complete any preventive maintenance. Fleet operators should still keep their own maintenance and inspection schedule: an annual test is a minimum standard, not a substitute for regular safety inspections.
Checking a used HGV or coach before buying
- Check the current test certificate expiry date.
- Read the defect history for repeated brake, steering, suspension or chassis corrosion items.
- Look for gaps between tests, which may mean the vehicle was off the road.
- Compare odometer readings with the tachograph and maintenance records.
- Ask for the vehicle's maintenance and inspection records, which operators are required to keep.
Common reasons heavy vehicles fail
Like cars, heavy vehicles most often fail on lighting and electrical faults, brakes, tyres and suspension. Many of these are found at daily walkaround checks, so good driver checks before each journey reduce test failures as well as roadside prohibitions.
HGV and bus test vs car MOT
| Car MOT | HGV and bus annual test | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Approved MOT test centres | Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) |
| First test | 3 years | 1 year after first registration |
| Reminder | 1 month before (GOV.UK) | 2 months before (GOV.UK) |
| Records from | 2005 (GB) | 2018 (GB) |
| Pass after rectification | Not used | PRS items recorded |
Frequently asked questions
How often does an HGV need a test?
Every year, starting one year after first registration.
Can I check a trailer test here?
Our checker searches by registration. Trailers use a trailer ID, so use the official DVSA service for trailer records.
What does PRS mean on an HGV test?
Pass after rectification at the station: a minor defect was fixed during the test, so the vehicle passed.
How far back do HGV test records go?
To 2018 for Great Britain and 2017 for Northern Ireland.
When do HGV test reminders arrive?
The GOV.UK service sends a text or email two months before a lorry, bus or large trailer test is due.