What We Do
MOT Checkup provides a free, comprehensive MOT history check service for any vehicle registered in the UK. Enter a registration number and instantly access the full MOT test history from 2005 onwards — including pass/fail results, mileage readings at each test, advisory notices, failure reasons, and defect categories.
Beyond raw data, we provide intelligent analysis that helps you understand what the results actually mean. Our mileage anomaly detection flags suspicious odometer readings that could indicate clocking. Our component tracking identifies recurring defects across multiple tests. And our AI-powered reliability scoring gives you an at-a-glance assessment of a vehicle's maintenance history.
The service is completely free to use with no sign-up required. We built MOT Checkup because we believe vehicle safety information should be accessible to everyone — whether you are buying a used car, preparing for your annual MOT, or simply checking the condition of a vehicle you already own.
Our Data Sources
Every piece of data we display comes from verified, official sources. We do not scrape or estimate — we query authoritative government and industry databases directly.
DVSA
MOT History Data
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency provides the complete MOT test history for all vehicles in England, Scotland, and Wales. This is the same data used by the official GOV.UK MOT history service. Records include test dates, results, mileage, advisory notices, and failure reasons from 2005 onwards.
GOV.UK MOT CheckDVLA
Vehicle Details
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency provides vehicle registration details including make, model, colour, engine size, fuel type, CO2 emissions, tax status, and date of first registration. This data helps us enrich MOT reports with complete vehicle specifications.
DVLA Vehicle EnquiryEuro NCAP
Safety Ratings
The European New Car Assessment Programme provides independent crash-test safety ratings. Where available, we display a vehicle's Euro NCAP star rating and individual scores for adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian, and safety assist categories.
Euro NCAPHow Our AI Works
AI-Powered Reliability Scoring
Powered by Anthropic's Claude
Our reliability scoring uses Anthropic's Claude AI to analyse the complete MOT history of a vehicle and generate insights that go beyond what the raw data shows. The AI evaluates patterns across multiple years of test data, identifying trends in component wear, maintenance consistency, and overall vehicle condition.
We are transparent about how this works: the AI model receives only the factual MOT data (test results, defect descriptions, mileage readings) and produces a structured analysis. Every AI-generated insight is fact-checked against the underlying DVSA data — the model cannot fabricate test results or defects that do not exist in the official record. If the AI identifies a pattern, you can verify it yourself by reviewing the test history displayed alongside the analysis.
What the AI analyses:
- Pass/fail patterns across consecutive tests to assess maintenance consistency
- Defect recurrence — whether the same component keeps appearing in advisories or failures
- Mileage progression — whether the annual mileage is consistent and expected for the vehicle type
- Comparison against known reliability data for the same make and model
- Overall condition assessment based on the severity and frequency of defects
Our Team
MOT Checkup is built and maintained by a team of automotive data analysts and software engineers with deep expertise in UK vehicle data systems. Our team has extensive experience working with DVSA and DVLA datasets, building vehicle history products, and applying data science to automotive safety and reliability analysis.
We combine technical expertise in data engineering and machine learning with practical knowledge of the UK MOT testing system. Our editorial team reviews and fact-checks all guide content against official DVSA documentation, ensuring every piece of information we publish is accurate and up to date.
We are committed to making vehicle safety data accessible, understandable, and actionable for every UK driver — whether you are a first-time car buyer, a seasoned motorist, or a professional in the automotive trade.
Data Accuracy & Disclaimer
Where Our Data Comes From
All MOT history data displayed on MOT Checkup comes directly from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) — the same official government source that powers the GOV.UK MOT history service. Vehicle registration details come from the DVLA via their Vehicle Enquiry Service API.
Limitations
- Digital MOT records are available from 2005 onwards for England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland records are available from 2017. Earlier tests were paper-based and are not included.
- Data is updated by the DVSA typically within 24 hours of a test being conducted. There may be occasional short delays.
- AI-generated insights are analytical summaries based on the factual data. They should be used as guidance alongside — not as a replacement for — a professional vehicle inspection.
- An MOT test confirms minimum roadworthiness at the time of testing. It does not guarantee the vehicle's mechanical condition between tests.
Disclaimer
MOT Checkup provides information for general guidance purposes only. While we take every care to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all data is complete or error-free. This service is not a substitute for a professional vehicle inspection. Always have a used vehicle independently inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase. MOT Checkup accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of information provided on this site.
Contact Us
Have a question, suggestion, or feedback? We would love to hear from you. Our team typically responds within one working day.
info@motcheckup.co.ukCheck a Vehicle's MOT History
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