VT20 vs VT30 MOT Certificate Explained

If you have ever picked up an MOT slip and wondered what the VT20 or VT30 stamp actually means, you are in the same boat as most UK drivers. The codes have been used for decades and they map neatly to pass, fail and retest outcomes. Use the free MOT history check to view all VT20s, VT30s and advisories on any UK vehicle.

Where VT codes come from

VT stands for 'Vehicle Test'. The codes were created by the Department for Transport in the 1960s and inherited by DVSA when it absorbed VOSA in 2014. Each VT number identifies a specific document the tester completes during or after a test.

Although certificates are now mostly digital and held on the central DVSA database, the VT codes are still printed on every paper document a garage hands you, and on the digital PDFs you download from GOV.UK. They are the technical names DVSA uses internally and in any enforcement correspondence.

VT20: the pass certificate

A VT20 is issued when the vehicle passes the MOT. It confirms the test result, prints the expiry date (usually 12 months from the test or anniversary if tested early), and lists any advisories or minor defects.

Many drivers think a VT20 means a clean pass — it does not. A vehicle can pass with several minor defects and a long advisory list. The advisories are the tester's note that something will likely fail in the next 12 months. Always read the VT20 carefully — it is the cheapest pre-emptive maintenance information you will ever get.

VT30: the refusal of certificate

A VT30 is issued when the vehicle fails. The full name is 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate'. It lists every major defect (fail items), every dangerous defect (immediate roadworthiness risk), and any advisories or minor items the tester noted alongside.

The VT30 is not a stamp of disgrace — it is the legal record DVSA needs to refuse a certificate. You can still drive home if your previous MOT certificate is still valid and there are no dangerous defects. Once it expires, only journeys to a pre-booked repair or retest are allowed.

VT32: the partial retest

A VT32 documents the result of a partial retest. Under DVSA's 10 working day rule, you can return to the same VTS within 10 working days for a partial retest, typically at no extra charge for limited items or up to £27.43 for a full partial retest.

If the partial retest passes, you receive a fresh VT20 alongside the VT32. The original VT30 stays on record but the certificate is now valid. Read the 10 working day retest rule guide for the full process.

Other VT codes you may see

Several other VT documents exist for specialist circumstances. VT29 is the contingency test record used when the central DVSA system is offline. VT17 covers the appeal process if you disagree with a fail. VT8 is the temporary pass when a result has to be re-uploaded later. The complete list is published in the DVSA MOT Inspection Manual, downloadable from GOV.UK.

Most owners only ever see VT20, VT30 and VT32. The others are mainly internal documentation — useful to know but rarely encountered.

• VT20: Pass certificate
• VT30: Refusal of certificate (fail)
• VT32: Partial retest record
• VT29: Contingency test (system offline)
• VT17: Test appeal record
• VT8: Temporary pass pending upload

Digital vs paper certificates in 2026

Since 2018, DVSA has gradually phased out paper certificates as the legal record. The official record is held on the central database and accessed via GOV.UK or free MOT history check. Garages still print a paper VT20 or VT30 as a courtesy, and you can request one any time.

From April 2026 the DVSA photo evidence rule adds a vehicle photograph to the digital record at the start of every test. The paper VT20 and VT30 keep their codes and layout, but the digital record now also includes the photo and timestamp.

How to use VT20 and VT30 information when buying

Used car buyers should always run a free MOT history check before viewing. The history shows every past VT20 and VT30, including the defect text. Patterns matter — a VT30 every year for the same item is a sign of a chronic problem.

Compare advisories from the latest VT20 to the vehicle in front of you. If the certificate notes 'rear shocks slightly weeping' but the seller has fitted new shocks, ask for the receipt. If the advisories never appear despite high mileage, treat the seller's claims with caution and consider an independent inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between VT20 and VT30?

A VT20 is the MOT pass certificate. A VT30 is the refusal of certificate, also called a fail. Both documents list every defect, advisory and minor item found during the test. The codes are DVSA's official terminology.

Is a VT30 the same as a fail?

Yes. VT30 is the technical name for an MOT fail certificate. It records all major and dangerous defects that caused the refusal, plus any advisories or minor items noted alongside.

What is a VT32?

A VT32 is the partial retest record issued when a vehicle returns to the same VTS within 10 working days under the DVSA partial retest rule. If the retest passes, a fresh VT20 is issued alongside the VT32.

Do VT codes still exist in 2026?

Yes. Although most certificates are digital and held on the GOV.UK MOT history database, every paper and PDF document still uses the VT20, VT30 and VT32 codes. They are DVSA's official identifiers.

Can I appeal a VT30 fail?

Yes, by completing a VT17 within 14 working days of the test. DVSA arranges a re-inspection at a different VTS, with a fee that is refunded if the appeal succeeds. Details are on GOV.UK.

Where do I find my VT20 or VT30 online?

Use the GOV.UK MOT history service or our free MOT history check. The digital record is the legal source — the paper certificate is a courtesy copy from the testing garage.

VT20, VT30 and VT32 are the three codes every UK driver should recognise. View any vehicle's full history of pass and fail records using a free MOT history check.