How To Check MOT History In The UK

Why MOT History Matters

Checking the MOT history of any used car you're considering buying is one of the most important steps you can take. It reveals the car's genuine service history, any recurring faults, and can help you spot a clocked vehicle with tampered mileage.

What MOT history reveals

Full pass and fail records back to 2005
Mileage recorded at every test (vital for spotting clocking)
Advisory notices — recurring issues to be aware of
Failure reasons — shows what has been repaired (or not)
Test dates — helps verify how regularly it's been on the road

How to Check MOT History (Step by Step)

Method 1: Using MOTR (Recommended)

1. Open MOTR and enter the vehicle registration number
2. Your vehicle's full profile loads including MOT status, expiry date, tax, and health score
3. Tap 'Timeline' or 'MOT History' to see the full DVSA record
4. Review mileage entries, pass/fail results, and any advisories

Enter the registration in MotR's MOT history checker to view recorded tests, advisories, defects and mileage readings.

Method 2: DVSA Official Service (gov.uk)

1. Go to: https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk
2. Enter the vehicle's registration number
3. Select the correct vehicle from results
4. Browse full MOT history, results, and mileage records

Pro Tip

Always do this before viewing a used car in person. If the mileage has gone backwards between MOT tests, walk away — the car has almost certainly been clocked.

Reading MOT History: What to Look For

Red flags in MOT history

Mileage inconsistencies — any drop in mileage between tests
Repeated advisories — suggests an owner ignoring known issues
Multiple consecutive failures — could indicate poor maintenance
Long gaps between tests — car may have been off the road
Very recent first MOT for older vehicle — could be imported

Positive signs

Consistent upward mileage progression
Regular annual tests with no long gaps
Few or no advisories across multiple tests
Failures that were clearly repaired (no repeat of same issue)

Check Any UK Vehicle With MOTR

MOTR combines DVSA MOT data with DVLA vehicle registration data to give you a complete picture of any UK car — including MOT history, current tax status, health score, and mileage trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is checking MOT history free in the UK?

Yes. The official DVSA MOT history checker is completely free to use. You can check any UK vehicle's full MOT history by entering its registration number at gov.uk or using MOTR.

What does MOT history tell you?

MOT history shows the date of each test, whether the vehicle passed or failed, the mileage recorded at each test, and all advisory notices and failure reasons. This is invaluable for spotting recurring faults or mileage discrepancies.

Can MOT history reveal a clocked car?

Yes — this is one of the most important uses. If the mileage recorded at each MOT is inconsistent (e.g. goes down or jumps unrealistically), the odometer may have been tampered with (clocked). MOT history is a key part of any used car check.

How far back does MOT history go?

The DVSA database typically holds MOT records going back to around 2005. For older vehicles, records may be incomplete. MOTR displays all available records from the DVSA.

Can I check MOT history on a private plate?

Yes. If you know the private plate, simply enter it as the registration number. The database holds the underlying vehicle data regardless of what plate is fitted.