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Records from 2005 Onwards

MOT History Check - Check MOT History by Reg

View the complete MOT testing record for any UK vehicle. Every pass, every fail, every advisory — dating back to 2005. Enter a registration number to see the full timeline.

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What MOT History Reveals

Every annual MOT test creates a permanent record. Here is what you can learn from a vehicle's testing timeline.

Every Test Since 2005

Access the complete chronological record of MOT tests. See which years the vehicle passed first time, which years it failed, and how quickly failures were rectified.

Mileage Over Time

Odometer readings are recorded at every MOT. Plot the mileage trajectory year-by-year and catch suspicious jumps or drops that suggest the odometer has been tampered with.

Advisory Progression

Track how advisories evolve over time. An advisory that appears in three consecutive tests tells you the owner never addressed it — a red flag for overall maintenance.

Testing Gaps

Gaps in the MOT timeline may indicate periods where the vehicle was off the road, declared SORN, or potentially driven without a valid certificate.

Failure Trends

Identify components that fail repeatedly across tests — brakes, suspension, emissions. Recurring failures on the same system point to a chronic underlying issue.

Lifetime Pass Rate

See the overall pass/fail ratio at a glance. A vehicle that has failed more than half its MOTs has likely had a harder life than its cosmetic condition suggests.

How to Use MOT History When Buying

Smart buyers cross-reference MOT history with the seller's claims. Here is what to look for.

Compare mileage to the listing

If the advert says 60,000 miles but the last MOT recorded 75,000 — something is wrong. MOT mileage is the most reliable evidence of true usage.

Check for repeat advisories

The same advisory appearing at every test (e.g. corroded brake pipe) suggests the owner patches the minimum to pass rather than maintaining properly.

Look at first-time pass rate

A vehicle that consistently passes on the first attempt has likely been well maintained. Multiple retests each year suggest ongoing neglect.

Note testing gaps

A 2-year gap might mean SORN (legitimate) or it might mean the vehicle was written off and repaired. Ask the seller to explain any gaps.

MOT History Check — FAQ

Answers to common questions about checking MOT history online.

How far back does MOT history go?
Digital MOT records are available from 2005 onwards for vehicles tested in England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland records start from 2017. Tests conducted before 2005 were recorded on paper and are not included in the online database. For most vehicles, this gives you over 15 years of detailed inspection data.
Can I see old MOT results?
Yes. Every MOT test result since 2005 is stored by the DVSA and available through our service. This includes tests the vehicle passed, tests it failed, all advisory notices issued, the specific failure reasons (with MOT manual references), and the mileage recorded at the time of each test. Nothing is hidden or summarised — you see the complete record.
What can MOT history tell me about a used car?
MOT history is one of the most powerful tools for assessing a used car. It reveals the true mileage trajectory (exposing odometer tampering), recurring mechanical problems, whether the owner addressed advisories or ignored them, the overall maintenance standard, and the likelihood of upcoming repair costs. Experienced car buyers check MOT history before every purchase.
How do I read an MOT history report?
Each entry in the MOT history shows the test date, the result (pass or fail), the recorded mileage, and any defects found. Defects are categorised as Advisory (monitor it), Minor (not serious enough to fail), Major (must be repaired to pass), or Dangerous (vehicle is unsafe to drive). Look for patterns — the same component failing across multiple tests indicates a deeper problem.
Is MOT history the same as a full vehicle history check?
MOT history covers the mechanical inspection record of the vehicle. A full vehicle history check (like HPI) additionally includes finance status, insurance write-off records, stolen markers, and plate changes. MOT history is the best free data source for assessing a vehicle's mechanical condition, while a paid full history check covers its financial and legal background.

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Look Up a Vehicle's MOT History

Enter any UK registration number to view the full MOT testing timeline — free and instant.

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Data sourced from the DVSA. Last updated: April 2026.