Free MOT History Check
Enter any UK registration to check MOT status, expiry date, full MOT history, advisories, failures and recorded mileage.
- Official DVSA MOT data
- Full MOT history and mileage records
- Advisories, failures and expiry date
What Does Our Free MOT History Check Show?
Check the current MOT status and review previous MOT tests, including expiry dates, pass and fail results, advisories, defects and recorded mileage.
Current MOT status
Check whether the vehicle currently has a valid MOT certificate, an expired MOT, or does not yet require an MOT because of its age or exemption status.
MOT expiry date
View the MOT expiry date so you know when the next test is due and whether the vehicle can legally be used on public roads.
Full MOT history
Review previous MOT test results, including pass and fail outcomes, test dates and recorded issues from earlier inspections.
Advisories and defects
See advisories, minor defects, major defects and dangerous defects recorded during MOT tests, including faults that may need urgent attention.
Mileage records
Compare mileage readings recorded at MOT tests to help spot mileage gaps, unusual jumps or possible odometer inconsistencies.
Pass, fail and failure reasons
See whether each MOT test passed or failed and review the defects and failure reasons recorded during previous tests.
What Is an MOT History Check?
An MOT history check lets you confirm whether a vehicle currently has a valid MOT certificate, when that certificate expires and what happened during previous MOT tests.
The MOT test is designed to check important road safety and environmental standards. It does not prove a vehicle is mechanically perfect, but the history can reveal useful signs about maintenance, repeated problems and how the vehicle has been treated over time.
If you are buying a used car, checking the MOT history should be one of your first steps. It can show recurring advisories, serious past failures, mileage patterns and defects that may still need attention.
How to Check MOT History Online
Enter the vehicle registration number to check its current MOT status, expiry date, previous test results, advisories and recorded mileage.
Enter the number plate
Type in the UK registration number to begin your MOT check. Make sure the plate is entered correctly before searching.
Review the MOT result
Check whether the vehicle has a valid MOT, when it expires and whether previous tests included advisories, failures or mileage concerns.
Use the details before buying
Look for repeated issues, serious defects and mileage changes. If the result raises concerns, run a full vehicle history check before making a decision.
MOT Data Source and Coverage
MOT history is sourced from official MOT testing records. The data can include previous test dates, pass and fail results, mileage readings, advisories, defect categories and failure reasons.
For cars, motorcycles and vans, digital MOT history is available for tests carried out in Great Britain from 2005 onwards and in Northern Ireland from 2017 onwards.
- Data source: Official MOT testing records
- Useful for: Checking MOT status, expiry date, previous tests, advisories, failures and mileage history
You can also check MOT history on GOV.UK .
Understanding MOT Defect Categories
MOT results use defect categories to explain how serious a problem is and whether the vehicle has passed or failed the test.
Dangerous defects
A dangerous defect means the vehicle presents a direct and immediate risk to road safety or the environment. The vehicle should not be driven until the issue has been repaired.
Major defects
A major defect causes an MOT failure. The fault must be repaired before the vehicle can be considered roadworthy and legally used as normal.
Minor defects
A minor defect is recorded but does not cause the MOT to fail. It should still be repaired before it becomes more serious.
Advisories
Advisories are warnings about parts that may become defective before the next MOT. Repeated advisories can be a useful sign of neglected maintenance.
The Most Common MOT Failure Reasons
Understanding common MOT failure areas can help you prepare your own vehicle and identify warning signs in a used car’s MOT history.
Tyres
Worn tread, cuts, bulges, incorrect tyre condition and tyre pressure monitoring faults can all lead to MOT failures. Recurring tyre advisories may suggest the car has been driven with poor maintenance habits.
Lights and electrical equipment
Headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and number plate lights are common failure points. These are often simple items to check before booking an MOT.
Brakes
Worn pads, damaged discs, brake imbalance, parking brake problems and ABS warning lights can all result in MOT failures. Brake defects should always be taken seriously.
Suspension
Broken springs, worn shock absorbers and damaged suspension components often appear as advisories before becoming failures later.
Emissions
Vehicles can fail if emissions are above the permitted limit or if required emissions equipment is missing or not working correctly.
Visibility
Windscreen damage, faulty wipers, washer problems and poor driver visibility can all cause an MOT failure if they affect safe use of the vehicle.
How to Use MOT History When Buying a Used Car
A clean current MOT is useful, but the full MOT history often tells a much better story about a vehicle’s condition.
Before buying, look through the full MOT record rather than relying only on the current expiry date. A vehicle can have a valid MOT and still show a pattern of poor maintenance, repeated advisories or recent serious defects.
Check for repeated advisories
The same advisory appearing year after year can suggest the owner delayed repairs. Common examples include worn tyres, corroded brake pipes, suspension wear and oil leaks.
Look for mileage inconsistencies
Mileage should generally rise over time. A sudden drop, missing year or unusual jump should be investigated before purchase.
Review recent failures
A recent failed MOT is not always a deal-breaker if repairs were completed properly, but repeated failures in the same area can indicate deeper issues.
Check serious defect history
Dangerous or major defects involving brakes, steering, tyres, structure or suspension deserve extra attention during any inspection or test drive.
For the safest buying decision, use MOT history alongside a car history check so you can review write-off history, outstanding finance, stolen markers, keeper changes and other important vehicle details.
MOT Facts Every Driver Should Know
These key MOT facts can help you avoid fines, missed renewals and unexpected problems when buying or driving a vehicle.
Most vehicles in Great Britain need their first MOT after three years
Cars, vans and motorcycles in Great Britain usually need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration, followed by an MOT every year. Different rules apply in Northern Ireland.
An MOT lasts for 12 months
An MOT certificate is valid for one year. You can usually book early without losing the original renewal date.
No MOT can mean a fine
Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine and may also cause issues with insurance if the vehicle is not roadworthy.
MOT history helps reveal maintenance patterns
Repeated advisories and failures can show whether a vehicle has been maintained properly or only repaired when it fails a test.
Mileage is recorded at each test
MOT mileage records can help highlight unusual mileage changes that may need further investigation.
Some vehicles are MOT exempt
Certain historic and specialist vehicles may be exempt, but you should confirm the rules before assuming a vehicle does not need an MOT.
What Does an MOT Test Check?
An MOT checks important safety and environmental parts of a vehicle to make sure they meet the legal standards required for road use.
Brakes
The condition and operation of the braking system are checked, including service brakes, parking brakes and relevant warning systems.
Steering and suspension
Steering components, suspension parts, wheels and related systems are inspected for wear, damage and safe operation.
Tyres and wheels
Tyres are checked for condition, tread, damage and suitability, while wheels are inspected for defects that could affect safety.
Lights and electrical equipment
Headlights, brake lights, indicators, reflectors and other required electrical equipment are checked for condition and operation.
Visibility
The windscreen, mirrors, wipers, washers and the driver's field of vision are checked to make sure visibility is not seriously restricted.
Body and vehicle structure
Important structural areas, doors, body condition and other safety-related components are checked for serious corrosion or damage.
Seat belts and safety equipment
Seat belts, seats and relevant safety equipment are checked for secure installation, condition and correct operation.
Exhaust and emissions
The exhaust system and applicable emissions are checked against the standards required for the vehicle.
An MOT is a roadworthiness test, not a full mechanical inspection. It does not assess the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
Why Drivers Use Our MOT Check
Our free lookup is designed to give you a quick answer without making the process harder than it needs to be. Enter the registration number and review the MOT result in seconds.
We use official DVSA MOT data as part of the lookup, helping you review the current MOT position, previous results, recorded mileage and linked vehicle details.
If the basic result raises questions, you can then move on to a fuller vehicle history report with more in-depth checks before buying.
MOT History Check FAQs
How can I check a vehicle's MOT history by registration?
Enter the vehicle registration number into the MOT check box above. The result will show the vehicle’s MOT history, including previous test dates, pass or fail results, mileage readings, advisories and recorded failure reasons.
What does a free MOT check show?
A free MOT check can show the current MOT status, MOT expiry date, previous MOT test results, advisories, failure reasons, defect categories and mileage recorded at earlier tests.
How long is an MOT certificate valid for?
An MOT certificate is normally valid for 12 months. You can usually get an MOT up to one month minus one day before the current certificate expires and keep the same renewal date.
How far back does MOT history go?
For cars, motorcycles and vans, online MOT history is generally available for tests carried out in Great Britain from 2005 onwards and in Northern Ireland from 2017 onwards.
Can MOT history help identify mileage clocking?
Yes. MOT mileage readings are recorded at the time of each test. If the mileage drops, jumps sharply or does not follow a normal pattern, it may be a sign that further investigation is needed before buying.
What are MOT advisories?
Advisories are notes from the MOT tester about items that may need attention in the future. They do not usually cause the vehicle to fail, but repeated advisories can point to ongoing maintenance problems.
What is the difference between Dangerous, Major and Minor MOT defects?
Dangerous defects indicate an immediate risk and the vehicle should not be driven until repaired. Major defects cause an MOT failure and must be fixed. Minor defects are recorded but do not cause the vehicle to fail.
Can I drive a car if the MOT has expired?
In most cases, no. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and can lead to a fine. The main exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs, provided the vehicle is safe and insured.
What happens if a vehicle fails its MOT?
If a vehicle fails, the result is recorded and the test centre will issue a refusal certificate. Dangerous or major defects must be repaired before the vehicle can be used as normal.
Why is my vehicle’s MOT information not showing?
MOT information may not show if the registration number was entered incorrectly, the vehicle is too new to need an MOT, the record is not yet updated, or the vehicle is exempt from MOT testing.
Is my vehicle exempt from an MOT?
Some vehicles may be MOT exempt, including certain historic vehicles and specialist vehicle types. You should always confirm the exemption rules before relying on an exemption.
Can you check MOT and tax together?
Yes. MOT status and road tax are separate legal requirements, but many drivers check both before buying or driving a vehicle. You can review MOT details here and also run a car tax check for tax status.
Is this the same as a DVSA or DVLA MOT check?
Drivers often use terms such as DVSA MOT check, DVLA MOT check, MOT history check and MOT status check to describe the same type of lookup. MOT test records are managed through official MOT testing data.
How much does an MOT test cost?
MOT test fees can change, so it is best to check the latest limits on GOV.UK or ask your chosen MOT test centre before booking.