MOT history check. Northern Ireland

[ss201]

I'm looking to buy a used Mercedes from a seller in Northern Ireland. In England and Wales (and Scotland?) it's possible to run a check on a vehicle's recent MOT history by visiting Check your vehicle's MOT status and history online : Directgov - Motoring, inputting the reg, MOT test certificate and registration number or vehicle document reference number from the V5. This produces a list of all MOT's issued since the system was computerised a few years ago, listing all fails, advisories, dates & mileage.

I tried all of that with the info supplied by the seller, but no dice. Phoned the DVLNI (N-Ireland equivalent of DVLA) and got an automated answering system with no mention of MOT history check facility. Phoned DVLA, who advised me to contact VOSA, who couldn't help.

The car was supplied originally in England and purchased a few years ago by the current owner who lives in N. Ireland. Anyone know if it's possible to run a MOT history check on a car currently registered, MOT'd and taxed in N. Ireland?

I'd like to know as much as possible about the car's history before committing to a purchase. Appreciate any advice/assistance.

 

[jaymanek]

I dont think its possible.

 

[br0ke]

To my knowledge, there is no record of MOT failures and certainly no advisory notes issued. It either passes or it doesn't. All the MOT centres are government run, so the standards are high and consistent.

Get the seller to scan and email the previous MOT certificates and that way you can gauge the mileage against the car and service history.

If you want to make the arrangements, I could go and have a look over the car and check the paperwork if you wish.

 

[ss201]

Thanks br0ke. Kind offer. Seller is a well-established Mercedes-Benz Club member who's been very open with every request for information to date. Just doing my usual belt and braces job before crossing over to the Emerald Isle. From his (and others') description and the photographs, I'm not anticipating any horror stories.

 

[renault12ts]

Ring 0845 601 4094. This is the enquiry line for the DVA in NI. When a car fails the test in NI you do get a fail cert detailing what needs to be done.

 

[MD5]

I've just bought a car from NI, and it was mot'd the day before I picked it up in Belfast. Is this mot valid on the DVLA data base, or will I have to get it retested in September when the current UK one expires, does anyone know? It's not showing up here.

 

[renault12ts]

I've just bought a car from NI, and it was mot'd the day before I picked it up in Belfast. Is this mot valid on the DVLA data base, or will I have to get it retested in September when the current UK one expires, does anyone know?

It is valid for one year. And remember MOTs in NI are only done in centralised Govt. owned facilities.

You are also aware, I assume, that NI is in the UK...

 

[MD5]

It is valid for one year. And remember MOTs in NI are only done in centralised Govt. owned facilities.

You are also aware, I assume, that NI is in the UK...

Which is what makes it different to here, where the car was tested last September, and yes, you assume correctly! As I said, the new test last week doesn't appear on the GovUK database, so would this not trigger ANPR cameras if I didn't get the car tested again in September, as this info doesn't appear to be shared?

 

[renault12ts]

Which is what makes it different to here, where the car was tested last September, and yes, you assume correctly! As I said, the new test last week doesn't appear on the GovUK database, so would this not trigger ANPR cameras if I didn't get the car tested again in September, as this info doesn't appear to be shared?

What do you think happens when I drive my car in GB?

Your MOT is absolutely valid, no question. Just like if I traveled to Scotland and had my MOT done there.

 

[MD5]

I take your point, but I fail to see how I could tax the car online in September, when the GB test expires, if the overlapping NI test doesn't show up on its database.