Free MOT History Check
Check the full MOT history and status of any UK car, van or motorcycle. Enter a registration to see past tests, mileage, advisories and when the MOT is due.
Official DVSA data · Free · No sign-up
An MOT is the annual test that confirms a vehicle meets the minimum road-safety and environmental standards required by law. A vehicle's MOT history is one of the most useful free records you can look at — whether you're buying a used car and want to spot problems early, or you simply need to know when your own MOT runs out.
What is an MOT test?
The MOT is a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old in Great Britain. A tester checks the parts that keep a vehicle safe and clean — brakes, tyres, lights, steering, suspension, seatbelts, emissions and more — and records the result. It is not a check of mechanical reliability or condition beyond those items, which is why the history behind the current certificate tells you so much.
Why check a vehicle's MOT history?
- Before you buy — see how a car has been maintained, spot recurring faults, and check the mileage rises consistently year on year.
- Spot mileage anomalies — the odometer reading is recorded at every test, so a reading that drops or jumps is easy to catch.
- Know what to expect — advisories flag parts that were wearing but hadn't yet failed, hinting at upcoming costs.
- Never miss a renewal — the record shows exactly when the current MOT expires.
What our free MOT check shows
- Pass or fail for every recorded test since 2005.
- MOT expiry date — so you know when the current certificate runs out.
- Mileage recorded at each test, to reveal inconsistencies.
- Advisories — items the tester flagged to keep an eye on.
- Failure reasons — the dangerous and major defects behind any fail.
How to check MOT history online
- Enter the registration in the search box above.
- View the full MOT history — every test since 2005, with mileage and expiry.
- Read the advisories and failures to understand the vehicle's real condition.
How many cars fail their MOT?
More cars fail than most people expect. In 2024–25, the initial failure rate for cars and vans (classes 3 & 4) was 28% — so more than one in four vehicles failed first time, usually on something small that could have been fixed beforehand.
Source: DVSA MOT testing data for Great Britain, classes 3 & 4, 2024–25.
The most common reasons cars fail their MOT
Most failures come down to a handful of categories — and many are cheap, quick jobs you can check yourself before booking a test.
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Lamps, reflectors & electrical25%A blown bulb or misaligned headlamp is the single most common failure — and the cheapest to avoid. Check every light before a test.
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Suspension19.4%Worn springs, shock absorbers and bushes. Often shows up as knocks over bumps or uneven tyre wear.
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Brakes16.2%Worn pads and discs, imbalance or a handbrake that won't hold. Any brake fault is treated seriously.
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Tyres12.9%Below the 1.6 mm legal tread depth, or cuts and bulges. Easy to check yourself with a 20p coin.
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Visibility8%Wipers, washers and anything obstructing the driver's view — including chips in the swept area of the windscreen.
Share of all recorded defects, DVSA classes 3 & 4, 2024–25.
MOT advisories and defect types explained
Since 2018, MOT results grade faults by severity:
- Dangerous — a direct risk to safety or the environment. The vehicle fails and must not be driven until repaired.
- Major — could affect safety or the environment. The vehicle fails and needs repair.
- Minor — the vehicle passes, but the fault should be fixed as soon as possible.
- Advisory — something to monitor that may need attention in the future, such as a tyre wearing close to the limit.
When is your MOT due, and the rules
Most cars, vans and motorcycles need their first MOT three years after they were first registered, then every year after that. You can have a test done up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the same renewal date. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, and your insurance may not be valid. Enter your reg above to see your exact expiry date.
Check MOT history by make and model
Want to research a model before you buy? Browse our vehicle history directory to explore MOT records by make and model, or jump straight to a specific registration with the search above.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MOT check free?
Yes. Checking a vehicle's MOT history and status on MOT Check is completely free — you only need the number plate, and there's no sign-up.
How far back does MOT history go?
For cars, vans and motorcycles you can see every recorded test since 2005, including the mileage, result and any advisories at each one.
What information do I need?
Just the vehicle registration (number plate). We find the make, model, MOT history and current expiry date automatically.
How do I find out when my MOT is due?
Enter your number plate above. The result shows your current MOT expiry date, so you know exactly when it runs out and when to book the next test.
What's the difference between MOT status and MOT history?
MOT status is whether the vehicle currently has a valid MOT and when it expires. MOT history is the full record of past tests — passes, failures, advisories and mileage.
Is the data official?
Yes. MOT results come from official DVSA/DVLA records, the same source as the government service.
Can I check a car before buying it?
Absolutely — that's one of the best reasons to. The mileage at each test and the advisories give you an honest picture of how a car has been looked after before you buy.
How much does an MOT test cost?
The maximum an MOT test centre can charge is set by the government — currently £54.85 for a car (class 4) and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. Many garages charge less.
Prefer an app? Get MOT history, valuations and full checks on the go.
