MOT history
Past test results, recorded mileage and advisories
Use official serviceCheck the exact car before paying a deposit.
A cheap advert can hide expensive insurance, deferred maintenance or a poor history. Use the precise registration and derivative before paying a deposit.
First-car checklist
Eight checks before paying a deposit
Your progress is kept on this device for the current browsing session.
0 of 8 checks complete
Tax status and rate
Current tax status and vehicle tax information
Use official serviceSafety recalls
Outstanding safety recall information
Use official serviceVehicle information
DVLA vehicle details and linked official checks
Use official serviceRead the MOT history as a pattern
Repeated tyre, brake, suspension or corrosion advisories can be more useful than one isolated result. Check whether mileage rises consistently and whether long gaps have a credible explanation.
Separate purchase evidence from running-cost evidence
Purchase
Price, finance, deposit, history check, inspection and immediate work.
Monthly
Insurance, credit cost, fuel or charging, parking and tax.
Periodic
MOT, service, tyres, brakes, breakdown cover and consumables.
Shock allowance
A repair reserve that remains available after the purchase.
What these checks do not cover
Young Driver Club does not value a car, inspect its condition, run a finance or write-off database, or predict an insurance premium. It organises the independent checks a buyer can make.