MotR
Free MOT Checker

Free MOT Checker – Check MOT Status, History & Advisories

Check any UK vehicle's MOT status, expiry date and complete MOT history instantly using official DVSA data.

One free check includes

MOT status & expiryFull MOT historyTax / SORN statusRecorded mileageVehicle details
Official DVSA DataFree MOT CheckInstant ResultsNo Account Required
A UK car undergoing MOT inspection on a diagnostic ramp with blue scanning light
What You Get

What You Get With a Free MOT Check

Enter any UK vehicle registration to view the vehicle's current MOT status, expiry date, complete test history, recorded mileage, advisories and failure reasons using official DVSA data.

The MotR Difference

Why Choose MotR

Authoritative Data

MOT results come from the DVSA; vehicle identity and tax status come from the DVLA.

Understand Your MOT

MotR helps you understand your MOT history — health scores, advisory context and clear explanations.

Fast Results

Enter a registration and get your MOT report in seconds.

Plain-English Explanations

Advisories and failures explained in clear, simple language.

Completely Free

Check any vehicle's MOT status and history at no cost.

Save and Track

Create a free account to save vehicles and set MOT reminders.

Beyond the Data

What You'll Discover

MotR doesn't just show raw MOT records — it helps you understand them, turning test data into useful context about a vehicle's condition.

Recurring MOT Advisories

See issues that appear across multiple MOT tests — useful when evaluating a used car.

Mileage Patterns

Review mileage recorded at each test to check for consistency or unexpected changes.

Advisory Trends

Spot components that receive repeated advisories, which may indicate upcoming maintenance.

Vehicle Health Score

Get an overall health score based on MOT results, advisories and recall data.

Defect History

See which components have caused failures or advisories in previous tests.

Plain-English Explanations

Advisories and failures are explained in clear language so you understand what they mean.

Report Preview

See More Than a Basic MOT Result

MotR presents MOT records in a clear format, with advisory context and mileage history so you can understand what the results mean.

Example MOT ReportExample shown for illustration only

Registration

AB12 CDE

Vehicle

Example Make Model

2020 · Example Colour

MOT Status

Valid

Valid Until

14 March 2027

Mileage History

2024
52,140 mi
2023
44,890 mi
2022
37,210 mi

Advisory Timeline

Recurring Issue Alert

Nearside front brake pad wearing thin — noted on the last 3 MOT tests.

Plain-English Explanation

The brake pads are heavily worn. Under the MOT inspection standard, pads worn below 1.5mm may be classified as a dangerous defect on applicable vehicles. Arrange inspection and replacement promptly.

Vehicle Health Summary

78/100

Good condition with minor advisories

This is only a preview. Your live report includes the complete MOT history, advisories, failures, mileage records and more.

Simple Process

How It Works

Step 1

Enter Registration

Type any UK vehicle registration into the search box. No account or payment needed.

Step 2

View Complete MOT Report

See MOT status, expiry date, full test history, mileage records, advisories and failure reasons instantly.

Step 3

Understand Your Vehicle

MotR explains what each advisory and failure means, so you know exactly what to do next.

How MOT data reaches you
DVSAMOT test recordsadvisories · mileageMotRRetrieve · formatexplain in plain Englishhealth scoreDriverclear MOT reportstatus · history · advisories
Why It Matters

Why MOT History Matters

Buying a Used Car

Check for repeated failures, corrosion, tyre issues and mileage inconsistencies before buying.

Checking Your Own Car

See when the MOT expires and review issues that may need attention before the next test.

Recurring Advisories

Identify defects that continue appearing year after year.

Mileage Consistency

Compare recorded mileage across previous MOT tests.

Avoiding Repair Surprises

Spot unresolved defects that may become more expensive later.

Planning Maintenance

Use previous MOT history to prepare for tyres, brakes, suspension and other likely repairs.

→

Need every recorded test, advisory and mileage reading?

Use the full MOT history checker for the complete DVSA test record.

View the full MOT history
Defects Explained

Understanding MOT Advisories

An advisory is a defect noticed during the MOT that is not serious enough to fail the vehicle at that time. It can still indicate wear, deterioration or a future repair.

Tyres

Advisories for worn tread, cracking, damage and tyres approaching the legal 1.6mm minimum can appear across multiple tests.

Read about MOT tyre failures

Brakes

Worn pads, scored discs, brake imbalance and reduced stopping performance are common advisory items that can worsen over time.

Read about brake MOT failures

Suspension

Worn bushes, damaged coil springs, leaking shock absorbers and excessive play in steering and suspension components are frequently noted.

Read about suspension MOT failures

Corrosion

Surface corrosion on brake pipes or exhaust can progress to structural corrosion. Repeated corrosion advisories across years are a warning sign.

Read about rust MOT failures
All MOT advisories explainedDangerous MOT defectsEmissions failures
Mileage Verification

Check MOT Mileage History

Mileage is recorded during most MOT tests. Reviewing the sequence can help identify unusual changes, possible data-entry mistakes or potential mileage discrepancies.

Compare mileage between test dates

See how the recorded mileage changed from one MOT to the next to understand usage patterns.

Spot unexpected mileage reductions

A drop in recorded mileage between tests can indicate a data-entry error or possible odometer tampering.

Review how heavily the vehicle has been used

Consistent annual mileage gives you a picture of how the vehicle has been driven over time.

Example mileage progression
2021
21,980 mi
2022
29,560 mi
2023
37,210 mi
2024
52,140 mi

Steady annual increases are normal. A drop between years can indicate a data-entry error or possible odometer tampering.

Read about MOT mileage discrepancies

An MOT mileage record alone does not prove fraud. Unusual readings may have other explanations, including tester data-entry errors.

What's Included

Everything Included In Your Free MOT Check

FeatureIncluded with MotR
Current MOT status
Complete MOT history
Mileage records
Advisory and failure history
Advisory patterns visible across tests
Plain-English explanations
Vehicle health score
Save vehicles
MOT reminders
Tax status check
Available on iPhone and Android
Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MotR MOT checker free?
Yes. MotR's MOT checker is completely free. You can check any UK vehicle's MOT status, expiry date, full test history, advisories, and failure reasons at no cost. No account or payment is required.
What information does an MOT check show?
An MOT check shows the vehicle's current MOT status, exact expiry date, complete test history, the mileage recorded at each test, any advisories noted by the tester, and the reasons for any failures.
Can I check MOT history using only a registration number?
Yes. Enter any UK vehicle registration into the MotR checker and you'll see the available MOT history. No VIN, document reference, or account is needed — just the registration plate.
Does MOT history show mileage?
Yes. Every MOT test records the vehicle's odometer reading at the time of the test. You can see a year-by-year mileage history, which helps verify whether a vehicle's mileage is genuine or shows signs of clocking.
How far back does MOT history go?
Great Britain MOT history is generally available from 2005, with Northern Ireland history available for later years where supplied. If your vehicle was first registered before 2005, you'll only see tests from 2005 onwards, even if the vehicle was tested earlier.
What is an MOT advisory?
An advisory is a defect noticed during the MOT that is not serious enough to fail the vehicle at that time. It can still indicate wear, deterioration or a future repair. Examples include slightly worn brake pads or minor tyre wear. You should monitor advisories and address them before they worsen.
Can a vehicle pass with advisories?
Yes. A vehicle can pass its MOT and still have advisories. Advisories are notes for the driver about components that are wearing or deteriorating but do not yet meet the failure threshold. They do not prevent a pass.
What is a dangerous MOT defect?
A dangerous defect is a fault that poses an immediate risk to road safety. If your MOT result includes a dangerous defect, the vehicle fails and you cannot legally drive it away from the test centre — not even home. You must arrange repair on-site or have the vehicle recovered.
Can I drive after an MOT failure?
If your previous MOT is still valid, you may be able to drive the vehicle to have repairs done, provided no dangerous defect is listed and the vehicle remains roadworthy. However, if the failure includes a dangerous defect, you cannot legally drive it at all — the vehicle must be repaired on-site or recovered. Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000, or up to £2,500 if the vehicle is in a dangerous condition.
Can MOT mileage be incorrect?
MOT mileage is recorded by the tester from the odometer, so it should be accurate at the time of the test. However, if a vehicle has been clocked (odometer tampered with between tests), the MOT history may show inconsistent readings. Unusual readings can also result from tester data-entry errors.
Does a valid MOT mean a car is completely safe?
No. An MOT confirms that the vehicle met the minimum legal safety and environmental standards on the day of the test. It does not guarantee that components will not fail between tests. A vehicle must remain roadworthy whenever it is driven, regardless of MOT status. Regular servicing and addressing advisories promptly are important for ongoing safety.
How often does a car need an MOT?
Most UK vehicles require an MOT once they are over 3 years old, and then annually thereafter. Some vehicles, such as taxis and ambulances, require more frequent testing. Classic vehicles over 40 years old may be exempt if they have not been substantially modified.
How soon can I renew an MOT?
You can have an MOT test up to one month (minus a day) before the current certificate expires while keeping the same renewal date. For example, if your MOT expires on 1 May, you can have the test from 2 April and still keep the 1 May expiry.
Where does MotR get MOT data from?
MotR retrieves MOT data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) — the UK government agency responsible for MOT testing. Vehicle identity details such as make, model, colour and first registration date come from the DVLA.
How quickly are new MOT results shown?
When you enter a registration, MotR retrieves the latest available data from the official DVSA record. Availability of new MOT results depends on when the official source updates its records, which may take some time after a test is completed.
Learn More

Related MOT Guides

MOT remindersVehicle tax checkMOT cost guideMileage check
Trusted & Secure

Why Drivers Trust MotR

Official DVSA Data

Every MOT result comes from the government's DVSA database.

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Your registration is used to retrieve the vehicle information requested. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Free to Use

Check MOT status and history at no cost — no account required.

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Check Your MOT Now

Enter any UK registration to see MOT status, expiry date, full history, advisories and failure reasons in seconds.

Your registration is only used to retrieve vehicle information.

UK MOT Information Guide

Essential MOT Knowledge

Understanding MOT defect categories, certificates and testing standards.

MOT Defect Categories: Dangerous, Major, Minor & Advisory

Since May 2018, MOT defects have been classified into four categories. The category determines whether your car passed or failed, and the driving guidance that applies.

Swipe to view →

Defect categoryTest resultDriving guidance
DangerousFailDo not drive until repaired.
MajorFailYou may only take it away if the existing MOT is still valid, no dangerous defect is listed, and the vehicle remains roadworthy.
MinorPassThe vehicle passes, but the defect should be repaired.
AdvisoryPassMonitor the issue and repair it before it becomes more serious.

A vehicle must remain roadworthy whenever it is driven. A valid MOT does not make an unsafe vehicle legal to drive.

Dangerous defects

If your MOT result includes a Dangerous defect, the vehicle is classified as immediately unsafe. You cannot legally drive it away from the test centre — it must be repaired on-site or recovered. See our dangerous MOT defects guide.

How to Read Your MOT Certificate

When your car passes its MOT, the test centre issues a certificate confirming the vehicle met minimum safety and environmental standards on the test date. The certificate is valid for 12 months. Since 2014, the authoritative record is the electronic one held in the DVSA database. If you lose your paper certificate, you can view and download a replacement from GOV.UK using your registration number and V5C reference. See our lost MOT certificate guide.

DVSA vs DVLA: Which Agency Holds Your MOT Data?

UK vehicle data is split across two government agencies. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) holds MOT test records, including defects, advisories and mileage. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) holds the vehicle register, including tax and SORN status, keeper records and vehicle identity. When you search on MotR, the MOT status and test history come from DVSA; the tax status and vehicle identity come from DVLA. Learn more in our DVLA vehicle data guide.

The MOT Inspection Manual

The DVSA publishes the MOT Inspection Manual — the definitive guide every authorised tester must follow. It defines exactly how each component is tested and how defects are categorised. Because every testing station uses the same manual, MOT results are standardised rather than a matter of opinion. See our MOT rules guide or run through our pre-MOT checklist before your test.

Using MOT Checks When Buying a Used Car

An MOT check is one of the most powerful free tools available to UK used car buyers. Enter the seller's registration into MotR before viewing the car. Look for: steady mileage progression, no recurring same-category failures, a valid MOT with no dangerous defects, and continuous annual tests without gaps. See our used car buying guide or use the free MOT history checker.

Related MOT Guides & Tools

Sources: DVSA MOT Inspection Manual (Classes 4 & 7); DVSA MOT History Service; Road Traffic Act 1988 (MOT requirement and penalties); DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service. Always verify critical information directly with the relevant official source.