How to Check a Car's MOT History Online for Free

One of the most useful free tools for car buyers is the government's MOT history checker. Here's how to use it and what the results can tell you about a car's condition.

How to Check MOT History

1. Visit gov.uk/check-mot-history
2. Enter the car's registration number
3. View the complete MOT history

That's it – it's completely free and gives you instant results.

What MOT History Shows

For each MOT test, you'll see:

• Test date
• Mileage recorded at the test
• Result – Pass or Fail
• Expiry date
• Advisory notices – Items to watch
• Failure reasons – What caused a fail

How to Interpret MOT Results

Mileage Patterns

This is one of the most valuable aspects of MOT history. Look for:

• Consistent increases – Good sign, shows normal usage
• Mileage drops – Major red flag, potential clocking
• Unusual jumps – Very high annual mileage might indicate taxi/commercial use
• Average UK mileage – Around 7,000-10,000 miles per year for private cars

Advisory Notices

Advisories aren't failures but indicate items that may need attention:

• Recurring advisories – Same issue appearing year after year suggests neglect
• Progressive advisories – "Slightly worn" becoming "worn" shows deterioration
• Resolved advisories – Previous advisory disappearing shows repair/replacement

Common Advisory Items

• Brake pads/discs wearing
• Tyre tread low
• Suspension components worn
• Exhaust corroded
• Oil leaks (slight)

Failure Patterns

Occasional failures aren't necessarily bad – all cars need maintenance. Watch for:

• Consistent brake failures – May indicate hard use or neglect
• Structural failures – Corrosion or body damage is serious
• Multiple failures per test – Suggests poor maintenance

What MOT History Doesn't Show

MOT history is useful but has limitations:

• Outstanding finance – Not shown
• Stolen status – Not shown
• Insurance write-off history – Not shown
• Accident damage between MOTs – Not shown
• Service history – Not shown

For this information, you need a comprehensive vehicle history check.

Example: Reading MOT History

Here's how to interpret a typical MOT history:

2023: 67,234 miles - PASS (Advisory: Brake pads wearing)
2022: 58,129 miles - PASS
2021: 49,012 miles - PASS
2020: 41,456 miles - FAIL (Brake pads below minimum) - Retest PASS
2019: 32,789 miles - PASS

This tells us:

• Mileage is increasing consistently (good)
• Average 8,000-9,000 miles per year (normal)
• Brakes were replaced in 2020 after failure
• Brakes now wearing again after 3 years (normal wear)

Using MOT History When Buying

1. Check before viewing – Identify potential issues before you travel
2. Verify mileage – Compare MOT history to advertised mileage
3. Plan questions – Ask seller about any failures or advisories
4. Budget for work – Advisories may need addressing soon

Combine With a Full Vehicle Check

MOT history is a great free resource, but it only tells part of the story. For complete peace of mind, combine it with a vehicle history check that includes finance, stolen, and write-off checks.

Get a complete vehicle check for just £9.99.