Vehicle MOT History Check: Complete UK Guide
You can check a vehicle's MOT history for free using the GOV.UK MOT history service. Enter the registration number to see its previous MOT results, recorded mileage and when its next MOT is due.
If you're buying a used car, don't just check whether it has a current MOT. Previous failures, advisories and mileage readings can help you identify questions to ask the seller before you buy.
You can also use the CarForms free plate check for a quick check of a vehicle's MOT and tax status alongside basic DVLA vehicle information.
Table of Contents
- How to Check a Vehicle's MOT History
- What Does an MOT History Check Show?
- What Should You Look for in an MOT History?
- Does a Clean MOT History Mean a Car Is Reliable?
- What MOT History Red Flags Should You Check?
- What Else Should You Check Before Buying a Used Car?
- What If the Car Doesn't Have a V5C?
How to Check a Vehicle's MOT History
You only need the vehicle's registration number for a basic MOT history check.
- Go to the GOV.UK MOT history service.
- Select Start now.
- Enter the vehicle's registration number.
- Check that the vehicle details shown match the car you're checking.
- Review its current MOT status and previous test results.
- Check the mileage and any failures or advisories recorded at each test.
The available history goes back to 2005 for cars, motorcycles and vans in Great Britain. Northern Ireland records are available from 2017. MOT history for HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches in Great Britain is available from 2018.
What Does an MOT History Check Show?
The GOV.UK service can show:
- Whether the vehicle passed or failed each recorded MOT.
- The mileage recorded at each test.
- The date of each test.
- When the current MOT expires.
- Parts that failed or were recorded as minor problems.
- Advisory items recorded by the tester.
- MOT certificate details.
The MOT history gives you a timeline rather than just today's MOT status. When you're checking a used car, this can help you spot mileage discrepancies, recurring faults and problems that may need further investigation before you buy.
What Should You Look for in an MOT History?
Don't look only at the most recent pass. Work backwards through the record and look for patterns.
| What you find | What it could indicate | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Similar advisories appearing repeatedly | An issue that may still need attention | Ask what work was carried out and check receipts |
| Mileage lower than at an earlier MOT | Recording error or possible mileage discrepancy | Compare the readings with service records and the current mileage |
| Repeated failures in the same area | A recurring problem or previous repair history | Ask for repair invoices and consider an independent inspection |
| Gaps in MOT history | The vehicle may not have required or undergone an MOT during that period | Ask the seller why and check the vehicle's age and history |
| Few advisories or failures | Fewer issues were recorded during MOT tests | Still inspect the vehicle and check its service history |
Does a Clean MOT History Mean a Car Is Reliable?
No. An MOT is a roadworthiness test, not a full mechanical inspection or service.
A pass means the vehicle met the required MOT standards at the time it was tested. It doesn't guarantee its current condition or tell you how well it has been maintained.
The MOT does not check the condition of the:
- Engine
- Clutch
- Gearbox
It also isn't a substitute for the vehicle's service history.
A vehicle can also have little or no MOT history for legitimate reasons. For example, it may be too new to require an MOT, have been registered outside Great Britain during part of its life or qualify for an MOT exemption.
If there's an unexplained gap, ask the seller about it rather than assuming either that something is wrong or that the lack of recorded problems means the vehicle has been trouble-free.
What MOT History Red Flags Should You Check?
Some MOT results are worth investigating further before you buy. A red flag doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with the car now, but it should prompt more questions or checks.
1. Mileage Discrepancies
Mileage should generally increase from one MOT to the next. If a later test shows a lower mileage, compare the readings with the current odometer, service history and repair invoices.
A discrepancy doesn't automatically mean the vehicle has been clocked. Mileage can be entered incorrectly during an MOT, and DVSA has a process for correcting MOT mileage errors.
You can also use the CarForms mileage check to investigate the vehicle's mileage history further.
2. Repeated Failures or Advisories
Look for the same or similar problems appearing across several MOTs, particularly issues involving tyres, brakes, suspension or corrosion.
An advisory means the issue wasn't serious enough to cause the vehicle to fail that MOT. It doesn't tell you whether the problem was subsequently repaired.
If an issue appears repeatedly, ask the seller what work was carried out and whether they have invoices or other evidence of the repair.
3. Corrosion
Pay attention to where corrosion was recorded and whether it appears again in later tests.
Previous corrosion doesn't automatically make a car unsuitable to buy, but repeated structural corrosion is a good reason to ask what repairs have been carried out and consider an independent inspection.
4. Dangerous Defects
A dangerous defect means the vehicle presented a direct and immediate risk to road safety or had a serious environmental impact when it was tested.
If one appears in the MOT history, check what caused the failure and what repair was subsequently carried out. A later MOT pass shows that the vehicle met the required MOT standard when it was retested, but it's still useful to understand what was repaired.
5. Gaps in the MOT History
A gap in the record is worth checking, but it doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem.
There may be a legitimate explanation. For example, the vehicle may have been too new to need an MOT, registered outside Great Britain for part of its life, or exempt from MOT testing.
If the reason isn't obvious from the vehicle's history, ask the seller to explain the gap.
What Else Should You Check Before Buying a Used Car?
An MOT history is only one part of checking a used vehicle.
GOV.UK recommends checking the vehicle's details with DVLA, its MOT history and any outstanding safety recalls. You should also check the V5C logbook before buying.
Make sure:
- The registration number, VIN, engine number and other vehicle details match the V5C.
- The V5C has a DVL watermark.
- The V5C serial number isn't one GOV.UK identifies as potentially stolen.
- The seller's details and circumstances make sense.
- The mileage is consistent with the MOT and service history.
You can use the CarForms previous owners guide when checking the vehicle's keeper history.
It's also worth running a recall check, as manufacturer safety recalls are separate from the MOT history.
If you're still unsure about the condition of the vehicle after checking its records, consider having it inspected independently before buying.
What If the Car Doesn't Have a V5C?
GOV.UK advises buyers not to buy a vehicle that doesn't have a V5C logbook.
If you've already bought the vehicle and weren't given the V5C or green new keeper slip, you may need to apply for a new V5C using form V62.
Our guide to buying a car without a V5C explains what to do in the different circumstances.
If you need to use a V62, CarForms can take you through the information required online and then prepare, print and post the application to DVLA on your behalf.
CarForms is an independent third-party service and is not part of DVLA or the UK Government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
The information in this article is based on official DVLA guidance and UK government publications.
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