How to Check MOT History for Free in the UK

Summary

• MOT history is free to check: Use the government's DVSA service or our free MOT checker — all you need is the registration number.
• It shows passes, fails, advisories, and mileage: This is vital information when buying a used car.
• Mileage gaps are a red flag: If the recorded mileage drops between MOTs, the car may have been clocked.

Checking a car's MOT history is one of the smartest things you can do before buying a used car. It's free, it takes 30 seconds, and it reveals a lot.

Here's how to do it and what to look for.

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How to Check MOT History

There are two main ways to check MOT history for free:

1. GOV.UK DVSA service: Visit check-mot.service.gov.uk and enter the car's registration number.
2. CarOwl MOT Checker: Use our free MOT checker for instant results with an easy-to-read breakdown.

Both show the same information from the DVSA database.

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What MOT History Shows

The MOT history record includes:

• Test date: When each MOT was carried out.
• Result: Pass or fail.
• Mileage: The recorded mileage at the time of each test.
• Advisories: Items that aren't failures but may need attention soon.
• Failure reasons: The specific items that caused a failure.
• Expiry date: When the current MOT certificate expires.

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Red Flags to Spot

When reviewing MOT history, watch out for:

• Mileage going down: If the mileage drops between tests, the odometer may have been tampered with. This is a sign of clocking.
• Repeated failures: A car that keeps failing on the same items suggests ongoing neglect.
• Lots of advisories: Multiple advisories mean the car needs work. Budget for repairs.
• Gaps in testing: A missing year could mean the car was off the road, SORNed, or driven illegally.
• Late MOTs: If the MOT was done well after the expiry date, the car was likely driven without a valid MOT — which is illegal.

A car's MOT history is like its medical record. It tells you how well it's been looked after. Always check before buying.

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Why MOT History Matters When Buying

MOT history helps you:

• Verify the mileage: Compare MOT mileage readings to the odometer. Any discrepancy is a problem.
• Understand the car's condition: Repeat advisories show what's wearing out.
• Negotiate the price: A long list of advisories gives you leverage to negotiate a lower price.
• Avoid problem cars: A history of structural failures or corrosion issues is a dealbreaker.

For a deeper check, combine the MOT history with a full vehicle history check. This shows outstanding finance, write-off records, and stolen status too.

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Understanding Advisories

Advisories are issues the tester noticed but that didn't fail the MOT. Common ones include:

Advisory	What It Means
Brake disc worn close to limit	Discs will need replacing soon — budget £100–£300 per axle.
Tyre tread depth approaching limit	New tyres needed soon — budget £60–£150 each.
Slight corrosion on subframe	Rust is developing. Could become structural over time.
Exhaust has minor leak	Will get worse. Repair or replacement needed — £100–£500.

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How Far Back Does MOT History Go?

The DVSA database holds MOT records going back to 2005 for most vehicles. That gives you up to 20 years of history to review.

For older vehicles, paper records may be the only option. Ask the seller for any MOT certificates they have.

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Check a Car's MOT History Now

It takes 30 seconds and costs nothing. Use our free MOT checker to see a car's full MOT history instantly.

For a complete picture, read our guide on what happens during an MOT test.

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