MOT History Checker UK: How to Check a Car's MOT History for Free in 2026
You can check a car's MOT history for free using the official GOV.UK MOT history checker. Enter the vehicle's registration number to see previous MOT results, recorded mileage, failures and advisories.
An MOT history check is particularly useful when buying a used car. It can reveal recurring problems, unexplained mileage changes and defects that may need attention.
Table of Contents
- How to Check a Car's MOT History for Free
- What Does an MOT History Check Show?
- How to Read MOT Failures and Advisories
- Five MOT History Red Flags to Look For
- What an MOT History Check Cannot Tell You
- What to Do After Checking the MOT History
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Check a Car's MOT History for Free
You only need the vehicle's registration number to start.
- Go to the official GOV.UK MOT history checker.
- Select Start now.
- Enter the vehicle's registration number.
- Check that the vehicle details are correct.
- Review the MOT results, mileage readings, failures and advisories.
The service is free, and you do not need to create an account.
For vehicles tested in Great Britain, you can also download current and previous MOT certificates. To see which test centre carried out an MOT, you will need the 11-digit reference number from the V5C logbook.
How Far Back Does MOT History Go?
The available records depend on the vehicle type and where it was tested.
| Vehicle Type | Available MOT History |
|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles and vans tested in Great Britain | Since 2005 |
| Cars, motorcycles and vans tested in Northern Ireland | Since 2017 |
| HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches tested in Great Britain | Since 2018 |
| HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches tested in Northern Ireland | Since 2017 |
Older tests may not appear in the online record.
What Does an MOT History Check Show?
The official checker lets you review a vehicle's previous test results instead of relying only on its current MOT status.
| Information | What to Check |
|---|---|
| MOT result | Whether the vehicle passed or failed each test |
| Test date | When each MOT was carried out |
| Recorded mileage | Whether the readings are consistent over time |
| Failure reasons | Which defects caused previous MOT failures |
| Minor defects and advisories | Problems identified by the tester that did not cause a failure |
| MOT expiry date | When the next MOT is due |
The history may also show outstanding safety recalls, depending on the manufacturer.
When buying a used car, review several years of results. A single MOT pass tells you much less than the vehicle's longer test history.
How to Read MOT Failures and Advisories
MOT defects are classified according to their severity.
| MOT Result | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous | A defect presenting a direct and immediate risk to road safety or a serious environmental impact | The vehicle must not be driven until the dangerous defect is repaired |
| Major | A defect serious enough to fail the MOT | Check that it has been repaired and the vehicle has subsequently passed |
| Minor | A defect that does not cause an MOT failure | Check whether it has been addressed |
| Advisory | A problem or deterioration noted by the tester | Monitor it and ask whether any recommended work was completed |
A vehicle can pass its MOT with minor defects or advisories.
A vehicle with major or dangerous defects fails its MOT. Rules on driving after a failure depend on the recorded defects and whether an earlier MOT remains valid.
Does a Pass With Advisories Mean the Car Is Safe?
An MOT pass confirms that the vehicle met the required test standards on the day of inspection. It does not guarantee that every component is in good condition or that no repairs will be needed.
For example, a car might pass with an advisory about worn tyres. That does not mean the tyres failed the test, but they may need replacing before the next MOT.
Ask the seller whether advisory items have been repaired and request invoices where available.
Five MOT History Red Flags to Look For
1. Repeated Advisories
If the same problem appears across several MOT tests, ask whether it has been repaired.
Recurring advisories involving corrosion, tyres, brakes or suspension deserve particular attention.
2. Unexplained Mileage Changes
Compare the recorded mileage at each test.
A lower reading than the previous year could indicate an incorrect entry, an instrument replacement or possible odometer tampering.
A mileage discrepancy is not proof of clocking. Ask for service records and investigate any unexplained changes.
GOV.UK provides a service for reporting mistakes in MOT records.
3. Repeated Failures
Look for repeated failures involving the same components.
A previous failure does not necessarily make a vehicle a poor purchase. What matters is whether the defect was repaired and whether similar problems continued to appear.
4. Gaps in the MOT Record
A gap may have a reasonable explanation, such as a vehicle being kept off the road or being exempt from MOT testing.
However, you should ask the seller to explain an unexpected gap, particularly if it conflicts with the vehicle's advertised history.
5. Serious Corrosion or Safety-Related Defects
Check previous failures and advisories involving structural corrosion, braking systems, steering and suspension.
Even if the vehicle subsequently passed, ask what repairs were carried out and whether there is supporting documentation.
What an MOT History Check Cannot Tell You
An MOT history check is useful, but it is not a complete vehicle history report.
It does not establish:
- Whether the vehicle has outstanding finance.
- Whether the vehicle has been stolen.
- Whether it has previously been written off.
- Whether every recommended repair was completed.
- Whether its current condition matches its condition at the last MOT.
It also does not establish who legally owns the vehicle.
For a used-car purchase, combine the MOT history with a physical inspection, service records and the appropriate vehicle checks.
GOV.UK provides a used vehicle buying checklist, including checks against the V5C logbook and vehicle identification number.
What to Do After Checking the MOT History
Before buying a used car:
- Check the mileage. Compare MOT readings with the advertised mileage and service history.
- Review failures and advisories. Ask for evidence of repairs where relevant.
- Check for safety recalls. Use the official GOV.UK recall checker.
- Inspect the vehicle. Do not rely on the MOT history as a substitute for checking its current condition.
- Check the V5C. Make sure the logbook details match the vehicle and investigate any missing or inconsistent paperwork.
CarForms also provides free tools for checking vehicle details, mileage and recalls.
If the V5C is missing, establish why before completing the purchase. The registered keeper may be able to obtain a replacement directly from DVLA, or a V62 application may be needed.
CarForms offers a V62 application service for £49.95, including the standard £25 DVLA fee, printing and postage.
Need Help with Your V62 Application?
Complete your details online and let CarForms handle the printing, DVLA fee and postage for £49.95.
Start Your V62 Application →Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Sources
The information in this article is based on official GOV.UK and DVSA guidance.
→ Check the MOT History of a Vehicle — GOV.UK
→ Getting an MOT: Test Result — GOV.UK
→ MOT Inspection Manual: Introduction — GOV.UK
→ Report a Mistake on Your MOT Record — GOV.UK
→ Check a Used Vehicle You're Buying — GOV.UK
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