Free MOT check
Free MOT history check for any UK car
See every MOT result since 2005: passes, fails, mileage, defects and advisories, plus when the current MOT runs out. Straight from DVSA records, in plain English.
- Every test since 2005
- Advisories and defects
- Mileage at each test
What you'll see
The full MOT story, not just a pass or fail
Our MOT check turns raw DVSA records into a clear timeline you can scan in seconds.
MOT status and expiry
Whether the car has a valid MOT and the exact date it runs out.
Every test result
Passes and fails, with the date and test number for each MOT.
Defects and advisories
Dangerous, major and minor defects, plus advisories to watch.
Mileage at each test
Odometer readings plotted over time, with any drops flagged.
Pass rate
How many tests the car has passed and failed over its life.
First MOT due date
For newer cars, when the first MOT is due at three years old.
How to read an MOT history
Since May 2018, MOT testers have sorted problems into categories. Older tests use simpler "fail" and "advisory" notes, so expect a mix of both on cars that are more than a few years old.
| Category | What it means | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous | A direct risk to road safety or the environment | Fail. Don't drive it until repaired. |
| Major | Could affect safety, other road users or the environment | Fail. Repair it straight away. |
| Minor | No significant effect on safety | Pass. Repair as soon as possible. |
| Advisory | Could become more serious in the future | Pass. Monitor and fix if needed. |
Red flags to look for when buying
- The same advisory year after year, such as corrosion or worn suspension parts. It may never have been fixed.
- A mileage reading lower than the year before. It can be a typing error, but it can also be clocking. Our mileage check flags these automatically.
- Long gaps between tests, which can mean the car was off the road, or driven without an MOT.
- Lots of fails, especially for brakes, steering or suspension, which can point to a hard life or poor maintenance.
MOT history can't tell you whether a car has outstanding finance, has been stolen or written off. For that, you need a full history check. Read more in our guide on how to check a car's MOT history.
MOT rules worth knowing
- A car needs its first MOT by its third birthday, then one every year.
- You can have an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
- The maximum official fee for a car MOT is £54.85, and many garages charge less.
- Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, unless you're driving to a pre-booked test.
You can also check a car's MOT history on GOV.UK and sign up for a free MOT reminder.
MOT check questions
Is the MOT history check free?
Yes. MOT history from the DVSA is free to view, and our check shows it alongside tax status, mileage analysis and vehicle details, with no sign-up.
How far back does MOT history go?
Online MOT records for cars in Great Britain go back to 2005. Older tests were recorded on paper certificates, so they won't appear.
What's the difference between a defect and an advisory?
Dangerous and major defects mean the car fails. Minor defects are recorded but the car still passes. Advisories are items the tester thinks will need attention soon, such as tyres close to the legal limit.
When is the first MOT due?
In Great Britain a car needs its first MOT by its third birthday (the anniversary of first registration), then every year after that.
Can I see where the MOT was done?
Our check shows the date, result, test number, mileage, expiry date and any defects or advisories, but not the test centre. On GOV.UK you can see test locations by entering the 11-digit reference from the vehicle's V5C logbook.
The Car Check app
Never miss an MOT or tax date again.
Everything in the free check, plus reminders, a garage for all your cars and full history reports. Free on iPhone.
- MOT and tax remindersNotifications before your MOT or tax runs out, for every car you add.
- Your garageSave your cars and see their MOT, tax and mileage at a glance.
- Scan a number platePoint your camera at a plate to check a car in a car park or on a forecourt.
- Full history reportsOutstanding finance, stolen and write-off checks powered by Experian.
Scan with your iPhone camera to download
Related guides
All guidesHow to Check MOT History for Free (and What to Look For)
Check MOT history free with just the registration. See what each DVSA record shows, how to read advisories and the red flags to spot before buying a used car.
Read guideMOT Checklist: 20 Things to Check Before Your MOT
Our MOT checklist covers 20 quick pre-MOT checks, from bulbs and tyres to windscreen chips and warning lights, so you can fix easy faults before the test.
Read guideThe Most Common MOT Failures (and How to Avoid Them)
The most common MOT failures are lights, suspension, tyres and brakes. See DVSA's latest data, what fails an MOT in each area and how to avoid each one.
Read guide