How to Check MOT History Online - Complete UK Guide 2025

Checking a car's MOT history is completely free, takes 60 seconds, and reveals information that could save you thousands of pounds. Yet many UK buyers skip this essential check and pay the price.

MOT history is a goldmine of information: it shows you the car's mileage every year (perfect for spotting clocking), reveals what's been failing or wearing out, and tells you if the car has been properly maintained or neglected.

Best of all? The government provides this data completely free at gov.uk/check-mot-history. No registration required, no payment, instant results.

This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to check MOT history, what to look for, how to spot red flags, and how to use this free tool to make smarter car buying decisions.

What Is MOT History?

Understanding MOT Tests

MOT (Ministry of Transport Test) is the UK's annual vehicle safety inspection required for:

• Cars over 3 years old
• Vans under 3,000kg
• Motorcycles over 3 years old

What MOT tests:

• Lights, steering, suspension, brakes
• Seatbelts and airbags
• Tyres and wheels
• Exhaust emissions
• Vehicle structure and bodywork
• Windscreen and mirrors
• Horn, wipers, washers
• Registration plates
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

What MOT does NOT test:

• Engine performance
• Gearbox or clutch condition
• Service history
• Overall reliability
• Comfort features

MOT is a safety check, not a service.

MOT History Database

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) maintains a public database of:

• Every MOT test result since 2005
• Pass and fail results
• Failure reasons (why it failed)
• Advisory notices (issues noted but not failures)
• Mileage recorded at each test
• Test dates and locations
• Tester and station details

This data is free and public - accessible at https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

Why MOT History Is Essential When Buying a Car

MOT history reveals information that sellers won't tell you:

1. Mileage Verification (Spot Clocking)

The gold standard for detecting mileage fraud:

• Mileage recorded annually at every MOT
• Shows progression over 10+ years
• Impossible to fake (government database)
• Immediately reveals if mileage has decreased or jumped suspiciously

Example:

• 2020 MOT: 45,000 miles
• 2021 MOT: 52,000 miles
• 2022 MOT: 58,000 miles
• 2023 MOT: 38,000 miles (CLOCKED!)
• Current odometer: 42,000 miles

The car has been clocked between 2022 and 2023. The true mileage is approximately 65,000+ miles, not 42,000.

1 in 20 UK cars has been clocked - MOT history is your best free protection.

→ Learn more: How to Spot a Clocked Car

2. Maintenance Red Flags

MOT failures and advisories reveal:

• Whether the car has been maintained or neglected
• Recurring problems (same issues failing repeatedly)
• Expensive repairs that were needed
• Wear patterns (brakes, suspension, tyres)
• Structural issues (corrosion, damage)

Example red flag:

• 2021: Advisory for worn brake pads
• 2022: Failure for worn brake pads (not fixed after advisory)
• 2023: Failure again for brake pads

This shows owner neglected maintenance even after warnings.

3. Test History Gaps

Missing MOT tests indicate:

• Car was off the road (mechanical issues?)
• Owner declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
• Car was unused for period (why?)
• Potentially illegal use without MOT

Example:

• 2018: MOT Pass
• 2019: No test
• 2020: No test
• 2021: MOT Pass (after 3 years off road)

Why was it off the road for 2 years? Could indicate major repairs, accident damage, or serious mechanical failure.

4. Structural Issues

MOT picks up:

• Corrosion (rust) in critical areas
• Previous accident damage
• Chassis or subframe issues
• Suspension mounting problems
• Safety-critical structural concerns

These issues are expensive - often £1,000-£5,000+ to repair properly.

5. Emission Problems

Failed emissions tests suggest:

• Engine issues
• Catalytic converter problems (£500-£2,000 repair)
• Turbocharger failures (diesels)
• Expensive mechanical work needed

Recurring emission failures = run away from the car.

How to Check MOT History - Step by Step

Checking MOT history is simple and free:

Step 1: Get the Vehicle Registration Number

Where to find it:

• Front and rear number plates
• Car advert or listing
• V5C registration document
• Insurance documents

Example format: AB12 CDE

Step 2: Visit the Gov.uk MOT History Website

Direct link: https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

No account or login required - completely free and instant.

Step 3: Enter Registration Number

• Type the registration number exactly as shown
• Spaces don't matter (AB12CDE or AB12 CDE both work)
• Not case-sensitive

Step 4: Click "Continue"

Results appear instantly - no waiting.

Step 5: Review Complete MOT History

What you'll see:

• Current MOT status (valid until date)
• MOT test history (all tests since 2005)
• Mileage at each test
• Pass/fail status
• Failure reasons (if failed)
• Advisory notices
• Dangerous defects
• Test date and location

All free, all instant, all accurate.

Understanding Your MOT History Report

Let's break down what everything means:

Current MOT Status

At the top of the report:

• "Has a valid MOT" - Current MOT is valid
• "MOT expired on [date]" - Expired (car shouldn't be on road)
• "Expires on [date]" - Shows expiry date

Colours:

• Green = Valid MOT
• Red = Expired MOT

Red flag: If MOT expired and seller is driving it, they're breaking the law. What else are they careless about?

Test History Section

For each test, you'll see:

Date: When the test was conducted

Mileage: Odometer reading at test (crucial for spotting clocking)

Result:

• PASS - Passed with no issues
• PASS (with advisories) - Passed but issues noted
• FAIL - Did not meet safety standards

Advisories: Issues noted that aren't serious enough to fail but need attention

Failures: Specific reasons the car failed (if applicable)

Dangerous defects: Serious safety issues (introduced in 2018)

Major defects: Issues that require attention

Minor defects: Small issues noted

Mileage Column - The Key to Spotting Clocking

Look for:

Steady progression (good):

• 2019: 30,000 miles
• 2020: 38,000 miles (+8,000)
• 2021: 46,000 miles (+8,000)
• 2022: 53,000 miles (+7,000)
• 2023: 60,000 miles (+7,000)

This shows consistent annual mileage around 7,000-8,000 miles per year - normal and believable.

Mileage decrease (MAJOR RED FLAG):

• 2021: 65,000 miles
• 2022: 72,000 miles
• 2023: 45,000 miles (DECREASED by 27,000!)

This is impossible unless the odometer has been tampered with. The car has been clocked.

Huge mileage jump:

• 2020: 25,000 miles
• 2021: 28,000 miles (+3,000)
• 2022: 85,000 miles (+57,000!)

Massive 57,000 mile increase in one year could indicate:

• Company car that became personal use
• Change from city to highway driving
• Multiple drivers using the car
• Odometer rollback in previous years

Unusually low mileage:

• 10-year-old car with 15,000 miles total (1,500/year)
• Possible but verify physical condition matches
• Could be genuine low use or clocking

Failure Reasons - What They Mean

Common failures and what they tell you:

Brakes failures:

• "Brake pad below minimum thickness" - Normal wear, cheap fix (£80-£200)
• "Brake disc worn" - Expected wear (£150-£300)
• "Brake fluid contaminated" - Maintenance neglect
• "Brake efficiency below requirements" - Serious braking issue

Tyre failures:

• "Tyre tread depth below minimum" - Normal wear but shows car was driven to absolute limit
• "Tyre damaged/cut" - Could indicate poor maintenance or bad driving
• "Illegal tyre" - Owner cuts corners on safety

Light failures:

• "Headlight aim incorrect" - Simple adjustment
• "Light not working" - Bulb replacement (£5-£20)
• Multiple light failures - Electrical issues?

Emissions failures:

• "Emissions levels above limit" - Engine issues
• "Catalytic converter missing" - Theft or removal (very expensive)
• "Smoke/emissions excessive" - Major engine problems

Suspension failures:

• "Shock absorber leaking" - Worn suspension (£200-£600)
• "Spring broken/fractured" - Serious (£150-£400 per corner)
• "Ball joint excessive play" - Wear (£100-£300)

Structural failures:

• "Corrosion to chassis/subframe" - VERY SERIOUS, expensive repair (£1,000-£5,000+)
• "Body structure corroded" - Major structural concern
• "Sill corroded" - Common rust area, expensive

Advisory Notices - Early Warnings

Advisories are issues that aren't serious enough to fail but need attention:

Common advisories:

• "Brake pads wearing thin" - Will need replacing soon (£80-£200)
• "Tyres worn close to limit" - Budget for new tyres (£200-£600)
• "Oil leak" - Monitor and address (£50-£500 depending on source)
• "Corrosion starting" - Keep eye on rust

How to interpret advisories:

One-off advisory:

• Normal wear and tear
• Items were likely replaced after advisory

Same advisory multiple years:

• Owner ignoring the issue
• Problem not being addressed
• Expect failure next test

Example:

• 2020: Advisory "Nearside front brake pad wearing thin"
• 2021: Advisory "Nearside front brake pad wearing thin"
• 2022: FAIL "Nearside front brake pad below minimum"

Owner ignored warnings for 2 years until it failed. Shows neglect.

Dangerous Defects (Post-2018)

From May 2018, MOT categorises defects:

Dangerous (Red):

• Immediate serious safety risk
• Car must not be driven
• Must be repaired immediately

Major (Amber):

• May affect safety or environment
• Must be repaired within reasonable time

Minor (Blue):

• No significant effect on safety
• Should be repaired as soon as possible

If dangerous defects appear in history:

• Check if they were repaired
• Serious issue - was it fixed properly?
• Consider professional inspection

Spotting Red Flags in MOT History

🚩 Red Flag #1: Mileage Discrepancies

What to look for:

• Mileage decreases
• Huge unexplained jumps
• Mileage significantly lower than wear suggests

Example red flag:

2019: 80,000 miles
2020: 89,000 miles
2021: 96,000 miles
2022: 55,000 miles ← CLOCKED!
Current odometer: 62,000 miles

Action: Walk away unless seller has extremely convincing explanation (they won't).

🚩 Red Flag #2: Repeated Same Failures

What to look for:

• Same component failing multiple years
• Issue not being properly fixed
• Owner taking shortcuts

Example:

2020: FAIL - Exhaust emissions too high
2021: FAIL - Exhaust emissions too high
2022: FAIL - Exhaust emissions too high
2023: PASS (finally fixed or manipulated?)

This suggests:

• Owner doesn't maintain car properly
• Used dodgy garage to pass MOT
• Expensive issue (catalytic converter) not properly fixed

Action: Negotiate significant discount or walk away. Expect future issues.

🚩 Red Flag #3: Multiple Consecutive Failures

What to look for:

• Test failed multiple times in same year
• Car repeatedly brought back with minimum fixes
• Shows owner does bare minimum

Example:

15 March 2023: FAIL (5 reasons)
22 March 2023: FAIL (3 reasons)
30 March 2023: PASS

This suggests:

• Car was in poor condition
• Owner only fixed absolute minimum
• Other issues likely still present

Action: Question why car was in such poor state. Consider mechanical inspection.

🚩 Red Flag #4: Missing MOT Tests

What to look for:

• Gaps in test history
• Years without MOT
• SORN periods

Example:

2018: PASS
2019: PASS
2020: No test
2021: No test
2022: PASS

Possible reasons:

• Major repairs needed (off road for 2 years)
• Accident damage being repaired
• Car was abandoned/stored
• Serious mechanical failure

Action: Ask seller why. If unsatisfactory answer, walk away.

🚩 Red Flag #5: Structural Corrosion Advisories/Failures

What to look for:

• Rust advisories getting worse over time
• Structural corrosion mentioned
• Chassis, subframe, or sill corrosion

Example:

2020: Advisory - Corrosion to sills
2021: Advisory - Corrosion to sills and subframe
2022: Advisory - Corrosion to chassis
2023: FAIL - Structural corrosion excessive

Why it's serious:

• Rust never gets better, only worse
• Expensive to fix properly (£1,000-£5,000+)
• Compromises safety
• May be unfixable without replacement panels

Action: Avoid unless price reflects expensive repairs needed. Get professional inspection.

🚩 Red Flag #6: Recent First MOT After Long Gap

What to look for:

• Car is 8+ years old but first MOT history only 1-2 years ago

Example:

• 2015 registered car
• First MOT in history: 2023

Possible explanations:

• Imported (no UK MOT history)
• Previous registrations (plate change)
• Kept off road for years
• Database glitch (rare)

Action: Investigate why no older MOT history. Check for plate changes. Run HPI check.

🚩 Red Flag #7: Dangerous Defects Not Repaired

What to look for:

• Dangerous defect recorded
• Next MOT doesn't show if it was fixed
• Short time between dangerous defect and next pass

Example:

March 2023: FAIL - DANGEROUS: Brake line severely corroded
April 2023: PASS (3 weeks later)

Questions:

• Was dangerous defect properly repaired?
• Or did owner go to dodgy MOT station?
• Is the repair genuine and safe?

Action: Request receipts for repair. If unavailable, consider professional inspection.

🚩 Red Flag #8: Excessive Annual Mileage (Commercial Use)

What to look for:

• 20,000+ miles per year consistently
• Suggests commercial/taxi/courier use

Example:

2019: 30,000 miles
2020: 55,000 miles (+25,000)
2021: 82,000 miles (+27,000)
2022: 108,000 miles (+26,000)

Why it matters:

• Higher wear and tear
• More likely to have mechanical issues
• Harder driving conditions
• Value should reflect high mileage use

Action: Not necessarily a deal-breaker but negotiate price accordingly and budget for maintenance.

Using MOT History to Negotiate Price

MOT history is powerful negotiation ammunition:

How to Use MOT Findings

Advisories that need addressing: "The MOT shows worn brake pads and tyres close to limit. That's £400 in immediate costs. Can you reduce the price by £400?"

Recent failures: "It failed MOT on emissions last year. Has the catalytic converter been properly replaced? I'd like to see receipts or adjust the price by £800."

Mileage higher than advertised: "You said 55,000 miles, but MOT history shows 62,000 miles last test. The current odometer shows 58,000. Can you explain this discrepancy?"

Pattern of neglect: "The MOT history shows repeated advisories ignored for 2+ years. This suggests poor maintenance. I need to reduce my offer by £800 to cover potential issues."

Structural corrosion: "MOT shows sill corrosion getting worse each year. Professional repair costs £2,000+. I'll need to reduce my offer by £1,500."

Price Reduction Guide

Based on MOT findings:

Minor advisories (brake pads, tyres): -£200 to -£500

Major advisories becoming failures: -£500 to -£1,000

Structural corrosion warnings: -£1,000 to -£3,000

Recurring emissions failures: -£800 to -£1,500

Multiple years of neglect: -£1,000 to -£2,000

High commercial mileage: -10% to -20% of asking price

Mileage discrepancy: Walk away or -£1,500 to -£3,000

MOT History Combined With Other Checks

MOT history is most powerful when combined with other free and paid checks:

Complete Free Check Process

Step 1: MOT History Check (FREE)

• gov.uk/check-mot-history
• Review mileage progression
• Note failures and advisories

Step 2: Vehicle Enquiry (FREE)

• gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla
• Verify make, model, colour, age

Step 3: Tax Check (FREE)

• gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
• Confirm tax status

Step 4: Recall Check (FREE)

• gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall
• Any outstanding manufacturer recalls

Add Paid Checks

Step 5: HPI Check (£20-30)

• Outstanding finance
• Stolen status
• Write-off history

→ Get comprehensive HPI check from CarSorted

Step 6: Service History Check (£20-30, for 2012+ cars)

• Digital dealer service records
• Verify servicing claims

→ Learn more: How to Check Service History Online

Cross-Reference Everything

Compare MOT mileage to:

• Current odometer reading
• Service book entries
• HPI mileage records
• Seller's claims

All should match. If they don't, investigate why.

What to Do If MOT History Shows Problems

If Mileage Discrepancy Found

Action plan:

1. Confront seller with evidence
2. Ask for explanation
3. If unsatisfactory, walk away
4. Clocked cars are NEVER worth buying
5. Report to Action Fraud if fraud confirmed

Do not:

• Accept weak excuses
• Believe "odometer was replaced"
• Think you can verify true mileage (you can't)
• Proceed with purchase

If Major Failures/Advisories Found

Action plan:

1. Request repair receipts
2. Verify issues were properly fixed
3. Consider professional inspection (£100-£200)
4. Negotiate price reduction
5. Budget for future repairs

Questions to ask:

• "This failed on brake discs last year - do you have the receipt for replacement?"
• "Advisories show corrosion - has this been treated?"
• "Can I see evidence these failures were professionally repaired?"

If Missing MOT Years

Action plan:

1. Ask why car was off road
2. Request proof of reason (repair receipts, SORN)
3. Consider why owner parked car for extended period
4. Professional inspection recommended
5. Significant discount required

If Pattern of Neglect

Action plan:

1. Assume car has other hidden issues
2. Negotiate significant discount (£1,000-£2,000)
3. Budget for immediate full service and repairs
4. Consider walking away - neglected cars have many hidden problems
5. Professional inspection strongly recommended

MOT History Myths Debunked

Myth 1: "No Advisories Means Perfect Car"

Truth: Advisories are testers' discretion. Different testers spot different things. A car with no advisories might have:

• Had a lenient tester
• Just had pre-MOT work done
• Been tested at dodgy station

Zero advisories is good but not proof of perfection.

Myth 2: "MOT Pass Means Car Is Reliable"

Truth: MOT tests safety, not reliability. A car can pass MOT but have:

• Worn clutch (not tested)
• Gearbox issues (not tested)
• Engine problems (unless affecting emissions)
• Electrical issues (unless safety-related)
• Air conditioning failures (not tested)

MOT pass = safe, not necessarily reliable.

Myth 3: "I Don't Need HPI Check If MOT History Is Clean"

Truth: MOT history doesn't show:

• Outstanding finance (could lose the car)
• Stolen status (police will seize it)
• Write-off history (unless it affects structure)
• Import status
• Number plate changes

MOT + HPI = complete picture.

→ Learn more: Complete HPI Check Guide

Myth 4: "High Mileage Is Always Bad"

Truth: High mileage with clean MOT history is often better than low mileage with failures:

• Consistent advisories = good maintenance
• Motorway miles easier on car than city miles
• Well-maintained high-mileage car > neglected low-mileage car

Condition matters more than mileage.

Myth 5: "MOT Database Can Be Hacked/Faked"

Truth: The gov.uk MOT database is secure and accurate. It cannot be:

• Edited by garages (data is locked once submitted)
• Hacked by sellers
• Removed or hidden

MOT history is the most reliable free check available.

MOT History Checklist

Use this checklist when reviewing MOT history:

Mileage Check

• Mileage increases steadily each year
• No decreases in mileage
• Current odometer matches or exceeds last MOT
• Annual mileage is consistent (no huge jumps)
• Total mileage matches service book
• Physical wear matches claimed mileage

Test History Check

• No gaps in annual tests (if required)
• All tests passed or failures were fixed
• No dangerous defects in recent history
• Advisories were addressed in following years
• No pattern of repeat failures

Failure Analysis

• Any failures have repair receipts
• No recurring same failures
• Structural failures were professionally repaired
• Emission failures were properly fixed
• No multiple failure attempts in same period

Advisory Analysis

• Few or reasonable advisories
• Advisories don't recur year after year
• No serious structural corrosion warnings
• Recent advisories have been addressed
• Advisory pattern shows maintenance, not neglect

Final Verification

• Compare MOT mileage to HPI check
• Cross-reference with service history
• Verify dates match seller's claims
• Check MOT expiry date (valid for viewing?)
• Save/print MOT history for reference

Conclusion

Checking MOT history is the single most valuable free check you can do when buying a used car. In 60 seconds and £0, you get:

• Complete mileage history (spot clocking)
• Maintenance patterns (neglect vs care)
• Problem areas (recurring failures)
• Structural issues (rust, corrosion)
• Test gaps (off-road periods)

The power of MOT history:

• 100% free and instant
• Impossible to fake
• Going back 10+ years
• Reveals what sellers hide

Always check MOT history before:

• Viewing a car
• Making an offer
• Traveling to see it
• Handing over money

Combine with paid checks for complete protection:

1. MOT history (free) - mileage and condition
2. HPI check (£20-30) - finance, stolen, write-off
3. Service history (£20-30, 2012+) - maintenance verification

Together, these checks cost under £60 and could save you £5,000-£10,000 or the entire car.

Don't skip the free MOT check. It takes 60 seconds and could save you from buying a clocked, neglected, or problematic car.

Ready to check a car's complete history? Get comprehensive vehicle check including MOT analysis with CarSorted →

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• Complete UK Car Check Guide 2025
• Complete HPI Check Guide - What It Reveals
• How to Spot a Clocked Car - Mileage Fraud Warning Signs
• How to Check a Car's Service History Online
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