Free MOT History Check

What is an MOT history check?

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has digitally recorded every MOT test carried out in the UK since 2005. An MOT history check lets you access this full record for any vehicle, showing every test result — pass or fail — along with the date, recorded mileage, advisory notes, and failure reasons.

Since May 2018, the MOT testing system classifies defects into three categories: dangerous (an immediate risk to road safety — the vehicle must not be driven), major (a failure item that must be repaired before the vehicle can pass), and minor (a less serious issue that should be repaired but does not cause a failure). Before this date, items were simply recorded as passes, failures, or advisories.

Our free MOT check gives you the complete test history in seconds. Enter a registration number and you'll see every test result, the mileage recorded at each test, and all advisories and defects — making it an essential tool for anyone buying a used car or monitoring their own vehicle's condition.

What can you learn from MOT history?

An MOT history check reveals far more than just whether a vehicle passed or failed. By examining the full timeline of test results, you can build a detailed picture of how the vehicle has been maintained — and spot warning signs that might not be obvious from a physical inspection alone.

• Mileage discrepancies — Every MOT records the odometer reading, creating a mileage timeline. If the recorded mileage drops between tests, the odometer may have been tampered with. Average UK annual mileage is around 7,000 to 10,000 miles, so large jumps or unexpected drops are worth investigating.
• Recurring problems — If the same component appears in advisories or failures year after year, it suggests the owner hasn't addressed the issue. Persistent brake, suspension, or corrosion problems can indicate neglect.
• Advisory patterns — Check whether advisories noted in one year were resolved by the next test. A responsible owner addresses advisories before they become failures.
• Failure history — A pattern of repeated failures, especially on safety-critical items like brakes, tyres, or lights, paints a very different picture to a vehicle with clean passes year after year.

You can also use the mileage check to see odometer readings plotted across every MOT test, making it easier to spot clocking at a glance.

Understanding MOT advisories

An advisory is an item that the MOT tester has noted as not yet bad enough to fail the test, but that needs monitoring or attention. Advisories don't prevent a pass, but they give you valuable insight into what might need replacing or repairing in the near future.

Common advisory items include:

• Brake pads or discs wearing thin but still above the minimum limit
• Tyres approaching the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm
• Minor corrosion on structural or body panels
• Slight oil leaks that haven't yet reached a level to cause a failure
• Worn suspension bushes or components with minor play
• Light scratches or damage to windscreen outside the driver's critical viewing area

If you see the same advisory appearing across multiple years of MOT tests, it likely means the owner has not addressed the issue. Recurring advisories are a red flag when buying a used car — they often point to deferred maintenance that could turn into costly repairs. For a deeper dive into what advisories mean, read our guide to MOT advisories.

When is an MOT due?

Vehicles in the UK need their first MOT by the third anniversary of their date of registration. After that, an MOT is required every 12 months. You can check your vehicle's current MOT status and expiry date by entering the registration number on our homepage.

You can have your MOT carried out up to one month (minus a day) before the current certificate expires without losing any time — the new certificate will run from the existing expiry date, not the date of the test. This gives you flexibility to book ahead without penalty.

Vehicles over 40 years old that have not been substantially changed from their original specification may be exempt from the MOT requirement. This historic vehicle exemption has applied since May 2018. However, the vehicle must still be roadworthy if used on public roads.

What happens if you drive without an MOT?

Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Police can issue a fixed penalty notice on the spot, and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras across the UK actively flag vehicles without a valid MOT.

Beyond the fine, most car insurance policies require the vehicle to have a valid MOT. If you're involved in an accident while driving without an MOT, your insurer may refuse to pay out — leaving you personally liable for any damage or injury caused.

The only exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test at a registered test centre. You can drive to the test without a valid MOT, but the vehicle must be insured and roadworthy, and you cannot make any other stops or detours along the way. You can also check your vehicle's tax status to make sure everything else is in order.

Never miss your MOT

Once you've checked a vehicle's MOT history, you can set up a free MOT reminder so you never miss the expiry date. We'll email you 28 days and 7 days before your MOT is due — giving you time to compare prices and book at a time that suits you.

It takes less than 30 seconds, costs nothing, and there's no account to create. Just enter your registration number on our homepage, then add your email to activate the reminder.

Frequently asked questions