An MOT history check shows every MOT test a car has had in England, Scotland and Wales since 2005, with the result, the recorded mileage and any failures or advisories. It is free on Check Vehicle. Use it to see how the car has been looked after and whether the mileage on the dashboard makes sense.
What the MOT history check covers
- The date and result of every MOT test, including fails and retests
- The mileage recorded at each test, with the average mileage per year
- Failure reasons, including dangerous and major defects
- Advisories and minor defects the tester noted
- Whether the current MOT is valid and how many days are left on it
We also compare the mileage readings across tests and flag the car if the odometer looks like it has gone backwards.
Where the MOT data comes from
MOT results come from the DVSA, the government agency that runs the MOT scheme. Test centres record each result on the DVSA system at the time of the test, so the history includes failed tests as well as passes. Vehicle details such as make, model and colour come from the DVLA.
How to read an MOT history
Look at the pattern over several years rather than any single test.
- Mileage should rise steadily from one test to the next. A reading lower than the one before is worth asking about, because it can point to clocking or simply a typing error at the test centre.
- The same advisory appearing year after year, such as corrosion or worn suspension parts, often means a repair is due soon.
- A long gap between tests can mean the car was off the road. Ask the seller why.
- A failure for a blown bulb or a worn wiper is normal. Repeated failures on brakes, steering or structural corrosion deserve a closer look.
The free check shows the full MOT history. Outstanding finance, stolen and write-off checks are in our paid reports.
