How to check a vehicle's MOT history
The DVSA makes every MOT test record publicly available through the GOV.UK MOT history checker. You do not need to own the vehicle. Any registration number works.
Step 1. Go to the DVSA MOT history checker at GOV.UK.
Step 2. Enter the vehicle's registration number.
Step 3. The result shows all MOT tests recorded since 2005: pass or fail, mileage at each test, advisory items noted, and reasons for any failures.
The whole thing takes about 30 seconds and costs nothing.
The checker covers England, Scotland, and Wales only. Northern Ireland uses a separate system run by the DVA (Driver and Vehicle Agency). If the vehicle was registered in Northern Ireland, you will not find its history on the DVSA checker.
What the MOT history shows
The history record for each test includes the following.
Test date. When each MOT was carried out.
Test result. Pass or fail.
Mileage. The odometer reading recorded by the tester at the time of the test.
Certificate expiry. The date the certificate ran to.
Advisory items. Items flagged by the tester as worth monitoring but not severe enough to cause a failure. These appear on passed tests.
Failure reasons. The specific items that caused the vehicle to fail. These appear on failed tests only.
The record goes back to 2005 for most vehicles. Some older vehicles may have incomplete records, particularly if they were not registered in England, Scotland, or Wales at that time.
What to look for when buying a used car
If you're buying a used car, this is where the MOT history earns its value.
Mileage consistency. The MOT history gives you a mileage record at each annual test. If the recorded mileage decreases from one year to the next, or stays suspiciously static over several years, that is a red flag for odometer tampering, also known as clocking. Calculate the implied annual mileage between each test. If the car supposedly covers 8,000 miles a year but jumps to 25,000 in one year with no explanation, ask why.
Recurring advisories. An advisory that appears in the same category across multiple consecutive years can indicate a known problem the previous owner never addressed. This is not always a dealbreaker. Some advisories relate to wear that does not require immediate attention, but it is worth asking about directly.
A history of serious failures. Repeated emissions failures, brake failures, or structural defects in a vehicle's past are worth investigating. They may have been repaired properly. The pattern still matters. Ask for service history and receipts if you can.
Gaps in the record. If there are years with no MOT recorded, the vehicle was either declared SORN (off the road), was exempt from testing during that period, was a recent import to the UK, or was being driven illegally without a valid MOT. Ask which. SORN is legitimate; unlicensed driving is not.
What MOT history does not show
The MOT history is useful, but it has limits. It does not show accident history, outstanding finance, the number of previous owners, insurance write-off status, or the vehicle's current physical condition.
For finance and ownership history, use the DVLA vehicle check at GOV.UK for a free summary, or pay for a full HPI check if you want the complete picture. A full HPI check typically costs around £20 and covers finance, write-off history, stolen status, and mileage discrepancies.
Checking your own vehicle's MOT history
The MOT history is not just useful for used car buying. You can check your own vehicle's record to confirm when your next MOT is due, find the certificate number if you have lost the paper copy, or review what advisories were noted at your last test.
If you want a reminder when your MOT is due, the DVSA sends a free email or text reminder service. You can sign up at GOV.UK using your registration number.
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Common questions about MOT history
Is the MOT history check really free?▾
Yes, completely free. The DVSA's MOT history checker at GOV.UK shows the full record for any vehicle. Some third-party sites charge for this data. You do not need them. Go directly to GOV.UK.
How far back does the MOT history go?▾
The DVSA history covers MOT tests recorded from 2005 onwards. Tests before 2005 are not available in the digital record. Some vehicles registered outside England, Scotland, and Wales before 2005 may have incomplete early records.
What does it mean if there are gaps in the MOT history?▾
A gap usually means the vehicle was declared SORN (off the road and not taxed or insured for road use) during that period. It could also mean the vehicle was a recent import to the UK and did not have UK MOT records from before the import. If neither explanation applies, the vehicle may have been driven without a valid MOT during that period, which is illegal. Ask the seller directly and look for supporting documentation.
Can I check MOT history for a motorbike or van?▾
Yes. The DVSA MOT history checker works for cars, motorcycles, vans, and other vehicles that require an MOT. Enter the registration number and the record will show regardless of vehicle type.
Does the MOT history show if a car has been in an accident?▾
No. MOT history covers test results only: not accident records, insurance claims, or write-off status. For accident and insurance history you need a full HPI check, which typically costs around £20. The free DVLA vehicle check at GOV.UK shows basic details like colour and number of previous keepers, but not insurance history.
What should I do if the MOT history shows lots of failures?▾
Look at what the failures were for. Repeated failures for the same item (particularly structural corrosion, brakes, or emissions) suggest a vehicle that has had ongoing problems. Isolated failures for straightforward items like a blown bulb are less concerning. Ask the seller for evidence that all past failures were properly repaired. If they cannot provide it, factor that into your offer or walk away.