The quickest way to find the MOT history of a car is to enter its registration number into the free GOV.UK 'Check MOT history of a vehicle' service. It takes less than a minute and shows the MOT tests held on record for that vehicle, including passes, fails, advisories and recorded mileage.
All you need is the number plate. You don't need to own the car or be logged in, which makes it ideal for checking a used car before you view it or hand over a deposit.
Step-by-step: how to check a car's MOT history
- Get the registration number. It's usually in the advert, on the number plate, or you can ask the seller to send it over.
- Use the GOV.UK MOT history service. Search for 'check MOT history GOV.UK' and make sure you're on the gov.uk website, as it is free to use.
- Enter the registration. The service returns the make, model, colour and the list of MOT tests.
- Read each test result. Open each entry to see the date, outcome, mileage and any notes from the tester.
If you don't have the registration but you do have the vehicle's V5C logbook, the GOV.UK service can also accept the V5C document reference number. This is useful if you own the car and want to check its record.
What an MOT history shows you
Each test entry typically includes:
- Test date and result: pass or fail.
- Odometer reading: recorded in miles or kilometres at each test.
- Defects: items marked as dangerous, major, minor or advisory.
- MOT expiry date: so you can see how long the current certificate lasts.
Records for England, Scotland and Wales generally go back to around 2005, although older tests may not appear in full. Vehicles registered in Northern Ireland are tested by a different body, so their records are not held in the same GB service.
How to read the results like a buyer
Look at the mileage trend
Mileage should rise steadily from one test to the next. A sudden drop, or a year where the reading barely moves for a car that's clearly being used, can be a sign of clocking or a faulty odometer. A gap with no tests can also be worth asking about.
Pay attention to advisories
Advisories are issues the tester noticed that weren't serious enough to fail the car at that time. Worn tyres, corroded brake pipes or suspension play can become costly. If the same advisory appears year after year, ask whether it was ever fixed.
Check the failure history
A fail isn't automatically a red flag, because many cars fail on simple things like a bulb or wiper blade. Repeated fails for major items such as corrosion, brakes or steering deserve a closer look. Check whether the car was retested and passed soon afterwards.
Check the MOT expiry date
A long MOT can be reassuring, but it only reflects the car's condition on the day of the test. It is not a guarantee of mechanical health, so it is no substitute for a proper inspection or test drive.
Cars that may not have an MOT history
New cars don't need their first MOT until the third anniversary of registration, so a young car may show no tests at all. Some vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt if they haven't been substantially changed, so a classic may also have gaps. If a car is old enough to need an MOT and shows no record, ask the seller to explain.
What MOT history doesn't tell you
An MOT record covers roadworthiness at the time of each test, and that's all. It won't tell you whether a car has been written off, stolen or has money owed on it. For those you need other checks:
- Insurance write-off status: recorded on the MIAFTR database as Cat A, B, S or N.
- Stolen marker: a Police National Computer (PNC) check shows whether a vehicle has been reported stolen.
- Outstanding finance: a car can still be subject to a finance agreement when it's offered for sale.
- Mileage and previous keepers: useful for spotting inconsistencies in the car's story.
To see more than the MOT record, you can check the vehicle's registration on motorpeek.com, which is an independent vehicle history check site and is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or any government body. Whatever checks you use, compare the results with what the seller tells you and the paperwork you're shown.
Final tips before you buy
- Match the registration, make and model in the advert with the MOT record.
- Ask to see the V5C and any service history, and check they agree with the MOT mileage.
- Treat any mismatch as a reason to ask questions or walk away.
- Consider an independent inspection for higher-value purchases.
Checking the MOT history only takes a minute and is one of the simplest ways to spot problems before you commit to a used car.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to check the MOT history of a car?
Yes. The GOV.UK 'Check MOT history of a vehicle' service is free and only needs the registration number. Be careful of sites that charge for the same basic MOT information, and check you're on the gov.uk address.
Can I check a car's MOT history without the registration number?
Usually you need the registration number. If you own the car, you can also use the 11-digit V5C logbook document reference number in the GOV.UK service. If you're buying, ask the seller for the registration before you view the car.
How far back does a car's MOT history go?
For vehicles tested in England, Scotland and Wales, online records generally go back to around 2005. Brand new cars won't have any MOT history until they reach three years old, and some historic vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt from testing. Vehicles in Northern Ireland are tested separately, so their records aren't in the same service.