Cookie policy
This cookie policy explains the cookies and similar technologies MOT Check Online uses, what each one does and how long it lasts. It also shows you how to accept, refuse or change your choice at any time. In short, the site works fully without optional cookies, and analytics and advertising cookies only run if you say yes.
Last updated: 16 October 2026 · Read alongside our privacy policy
What this cookie policy means by cookies
A cookie is a small text file that a website saves in your browser. It lets the site, or a service the site uses, recognise your browser on a later visit. Websites can also save small notes in your browser's local storage, which works in a similar way. This cookie policy covers both.
Cookies set by MOT Check Online itself are called first-party cookies. Those set by another company, such as Google, are third-party cookies. Some disappear when you close your browser, while others last for a set time.
The four types of cookie we use
Strictly necessary
Keep the site secure and remember your cookie choice. They're always on, because the site can't work properly without them.
Preferences
Remember your light or dark theme and your recent searches. They stay on your device and are never sent to us.
Analytics
Google Analytics shows us which pages help people, so we can improve them. Off until you agree.
Advertising
Google AdSense shows the adverts that keep the checks free. Personalised adverts are off until you agree.
Every cookie covered by this cookie policy
Below is the full list. If we add a cookie, we'll add it here first.
Strictly necessary. These are always on, because they keep the site working and remember your choice.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCCDCF | Google's consent tool, on our site | Stores your cookie choices, so we don't ask on every page | 13 months |
| wordpress_logged_in_*, wordpress_sec_*, wp-settings-* | WordPress | Only for site administrators who log in. Visitors never get these | Session to 1 year |
Consent tool. In addition, the banner sets one cookie for its own upkeep.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCNEC | Google's consent tool, on our site | Lets Google measure how well its consent tool works and fix problems | 365 days |
Preferences. These live in your browser's local storage and never reach us.
| Name | Purpose | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| dmcTheme, dmcReportTheme, mcoThemeV | Remember whether you chose the light or dark theme for the site and for reports | Until you clear them |
| dmcRecent | Remembers your last five registration searches, so you can repeat them | Until you clear them |
| mcoAnnounce | Remembers that you closed an announcement banner | Until you clear them |
Analytics and advertising cookies
These two groups are optional. Unlike the cookies above, they only appear once you've agreed in our consent banner.
Analytics. Google Analytics sets these only after you agree.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics, on our site | Tells visits from different browsers apart, without identifying you by name | 2 years |
| _ga_XXXXXXXXXX | Google Analytics, on our site | Keeps track of your current visit | 2 years |
Advertising. Google AdSense sets these only after you agree.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| __gads | Google AdSense, on our site | Shows and measures adverts, and limits how often you see the same one | 13 months |
| __gpi | Google AdSense, on our site | Shows and measures adverts, and helps prevent fraud | 13 months |
| __eoi | Google AdSense, on our site | Security and fraud prevention for adverts | 6 months |
| IDE | Google, on doubleclick.net | Personalises adverts and measures how they perform | 13 months in the UK |
Other advertising partners appear by name in our consent banner, together with their own cookie details. Because they're Google's partners, the banner lets you accept or refuse each one individually. Google publishes its own list of advertising and measurement cookies.
Why our preference items don't need consent
UK law on cookies, the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, was updated by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Under the new rules, a site may store a note that changes how it looks or works in line with your own choice, such as dark mode, without asking first. The condition is that you can refuse simply and for free.
Our theme and recent-search items meet that test, because you can switch the theme back or clear them at any time. They also never leave your device. Analytics and advertising cookies are different: the new exceptions don't cover advertising, and Google Analytics shares data with Google, so we ask for your consent for both.
How to accept, refuse or change your cookie choices
When you first visit, our consent banner asks whether you accept analytics and advertising cookies. You can accept all, refuse all or choose partner by partner. Refusing is just as easy as accepting.
To change your mind later, use this button, or the "Cookie settings" link at the bottom of every page:
You also have other options:
- Your browser settings. Every major browser lets you block or delete cookies and clear a site's stored data. Look under Privacy or Site settings.
- Google's own controls. You can turn off personalised adverts across the web in Google's Ads Settings, or install the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
What happens if you refuse cookies
Nothing breaks. Every MOT history check, tax check and mileage check works exactly the same. You'll still see adverts, because they pay for the site, but they won't be personalised. Instead, they'll be based on the page you're reading rather than your browsing history.
Google Analytics stays in its "denied" state, so it sets no cookies. However, Google may still receive basic, cookie-free signals, such as the fact that a page loaded, which it only uses in aggregate.
Changes to this cookie policy
We'll update this cookie policy whenever we add, remove or change a cookie, and the date at the top will show when. If a change affects what you agreed to, our banner will ask for your choice again.
Cookie policy: frequently asked questions
Do I have to accept cookies to check a vehicle?
No. Every check works without analytics or advertising cookies. Only the strictly necessary cookies, which remember your choice and keep the site secure, are always on.
Why do I still see adverts after refusing cookies?
Adverts keep the checks free, so they still appear. Without your consent, however, they aren't based on your browsing history.
How long does my cookie choice last?
Up to 13 months. After that, the banner asks again, so your choice never quietly becomes permanent.
Do you use Facebook, TikTok or other tracking pixels?
No. The only analytics and advertising services on the site are Google Analytics and Google AdSense, and both wait for your consent.
If you have a question this cookie policy doesn't answer, please contact us and we'll help.