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Free MOT History Check

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Every MOT result, advisory and failure for any UK vehicle since 2005 — pulled directly from the DVSA.

  • Every test result since 2005 with full advisory notes
  • Spot recurring problems and mileage tampering
  • Free email reminders 28 + 7 days before next MOT
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Check a vehicle's MOT history

Enter any UK reg plate to see every MOT result, advisory, and mileage reading since 2005 — free and instant.

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Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000.

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£54.85

Max MOT fee

3 yrs

First MOT due

12 mo

Then yearly

What is an MOT history check?

Every UK MOT since 2005 sits in the DVSA's database. An MOT history check gives you the full record for any vehicle: every test result, mileage reading, advisory, and failure reason.

Since May 2018, defects fall into one of three categories:

Dangerous

Immediate safety risk — don't drive.

Major

Must be repaired before the MOT can pass.

Minor

Worth fixing but doesn't cause a failure.

Before then it was just pass, fail, or advisory.

What can you learn from MOT history?

More than pass or fail — the timeline reveals how well a car has been looked after. Watch for:

  • Mileage drops between tests — possible clocking. UK average is 7,000–10,000 miles per year, so big jumps stand out.
  • Recurring faults — the same component flagged year after year points to neglect.
  • Unresolved advisories that carry over between tests are a deferred-maintenance flag.
  • Repeat failures on safety items (brakes, tyres, lights) vs clean passes — very different stories.

For a year-by-year mileage chart, see the mileage check.

Understanding MOT advisories

An advisory is a heads-up: not bad enough to fail, but worth watching. Typical examples:

  • Brake pads or discs wearing thin but above the minimum
  • Tyres approaching the 1.6mm legal tread limit
  • Minor corrosion on structural or body panels
  • Slight oil leaks not yet at failure level
  • Worn suspension bushes with minor play
  • Scratches outside the driver's critical viewing area

Same advisory year after year? The owner's been ignoring it — often a sign of deferred maintenance. More in our guide to MOT advisories.

When is an MOT due?

First MOT is due on the third anniversary of registration. After that, every 12 months.

You can test up to a month minus a day early without losing time — the next certificate still runs from your original expiry date.

Vehicles over 40 years old that haven't been substantially modified are exempt (since 2018), but still need to be roadworthy on public roads.

What happens if you drive without an MOT?

Up to £1,000 fine. ANPR cameras flag uninsured vehicles automatically — fixed penalty on the spot.

Your insurance likely voids too. Crash without a valid MOT and you may be personally liable for any damage or injury.

One exception: driving directly to a pre-booked test at a registered centre, with no detours. Also worth checking tax status while you're at it.

Save money on your MOT

The legal maximum for an MOT test is £54.85 — but many garages charge less. Compare prices in seconds.

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Shopping on price? See how to find a cheap MOT near you and what garages actually charge.

Frequently asked questions

What does an MOT advisory mean?
A note about a component that's not yet bad enough to fail, but needs monitoring. Brake pads wearing thin, tyres near the 1.6mm tread limit, or minor corrosion are typical examples.
How far back does MOT history go?
Results are available from 2005 onwards — the DVSA has digitally recorded every test since.
Can I drive to an MOT test without a valid MOT?
Yes — direct to a pre-booked MOT test at a registered centre. The car must still be insured and roadworthy, and you can't make detours.
How much does an MOT cost?
Maximum £54.85 (set by the DVSA). Many garages undercut this. The test itself takes 45–60 minutes.
What's the difference between dangerous, major, and minor defects?
Three categories since May 2018. Dangerous = immediate safety risk, don't drive. Major = a failure that must be repaired. Minor = worth fixing but doesn't fail the test.

Related guides

How Much Does an MOT Cost in 2026?

The maximum fee, typical garage prices, free retests, and how to pay less for your annual test.

How to Read a Car's MOT History

Understand test results, advisories, and how to spot red flags in a vehicle's history.

When Is My MOT Due?

How to check when your MOT is due and make sure you never miss it.

What Happens if You Drive Without an MOT?

Penalties, insurance issues, and the exceptions you need to know about.

How to Appeal an MOT Failure

Your rights explained — how the appeal process works and when it's worth challenging.

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