How to check a car's MOT history
30 June 2026
A vehicle's MOT history is one of the most useful free records you can look at before buying — and a handy reminder for a car you already own. It shows whether each annual test was passed or failed, what the tester flagged, and the mileage recorded on the day.
What the MOT history shows
- Pass or fail for every recorded test.
- Advisories — things to keep an eye on, like a tyre wearing low.
- Dangerous or major defects — the reasons a vehicle failed.
- Mileage recorded at each test, so you can spot inconsistencies.
- Expiry — when the current MOT runs out.
How to check it
Enter the number plate in the MOT Check app (it also covers vans and motorcycles). You'll see the full test history instantly.
Reading the mileage
The mileage at each test should rise steadily over time. A reading that drops, or jumps unusually, is worth questioning — and is exactly the kind of thing a full vehicle check flags as a mileage anomaly.