How to check a car's MOT history for free
A car's MOT history is one of the most useful free records you can read before buying. It shows every test since 2005, every fault found, and the mileage at each test.
In short
- MOT history is free to check with just the registration.
- It shows each test's result, the mileage, and every failure and advisory.
- Look for mileage that goes backwards, repeated advisories, and gaps between tests.
- Cars need their first MOT at 3 years old, then every year.
How to check it
All you need is the registration. You can check it on GOV.UK, or use the Your Car Data free check, which shows the same DVSA records along with a chart of the mileage, a check for readings that went backwards, and buyer checks that flag gaps and problems that keep coming back. It also shows whether the MOT is in date and when it runs out.
MOT history covers tests in Great Britain since 2005. Cars under three years old won't have any MOT history yet, because they don't need a test until their third birthday.
What the MOT history shows
- Date and result of every test: pass or fail.
- Mileage recorded at each test.
- Failures (dangerous and major defects) that had to be fixed.
- Minor defects and advisories: things that passed but were noted, often because they're wearing out. Our guide to MOT advisories explains each type.
- Expiry date of the current MOT.
Warning signs to look for
- Mileage that drops between tests. That's a classic sign of a clocked car.
- The same advisory year after year, such as corrosion or worn suspension, which means it was never fixed.
- Corrosion on brake pipes, subframes or sills. It's expensive to put right.
- Gaps of more than a year between tests. The car may have been off the road, or used without an MOT. Ask why.
- Very low mileage for a few years, then a jump. Ask whether it was stored or had a long repair.
- A fail followed by a pass the same day is normal (the faults were fixed). Lots of failures for the same thing isn't.
MOT rules worth knowing
- The first MOT is due when the car is three years old, then every year.
- You can have the MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
- Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000. The only exceptions are driving to a booked MOT test, or to or from a garage for repairs.
- A car without a valid MOT can't be taxed. If you're buying one, check the MOT is in date or plan to trailer it home. Our guide to checking a car's tax explains more.
What MOT history can't tell you
An MOT is a snapshot of the car's safety on the day of the test. It doesn't cover the engine's or gearbox's condition, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, write-offs or whether the car is stolen. For those, you need a full history check.
Check a vehicle now
Free MOT, mileage and tax check for any UK car, van or motorbike. The full history check (stolen, write-off, outstanding finance, a valuation and more) is £7.49.
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