Where to find your MOT records online
You can look up your vehicle's MOT history using the UK government's official MOT history checker at mot.service.gov.uk. The tool is free and does not require you to log in or create an account. You will need your vehicle registration number (the plate) and the registration number of the vehicle — that is all.
The checker shows every MOT test your vehicle has taken, including the date it was tested, whether it passed or failed, and what defects were recorded. If your vehicle failed, the history shows which defects caused the failure and which were noted as minor issues. This record goes back several years, though the exact length varies depending on your vehicle's age and test history.
The government's checker is the only official source for this information. Other websites may offer to look it up for you, but they are straightforward pulling data from the same government database and charging a fee to do so. Using mot.service.gov.uk directly costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- The official MOT history checker at mot.service.gov.uk is free and requires only your vehicle registration number.
- The history shows pass or fail results, test dates, and the specific defects recorded at each test.
- You can see several years of records, though older tests may not appear if your vehicle has a long history.
- The checker works for any vehicle that has had an MOT test in the UK, including cars you previously owned or are thinking of buying.
What information the MOT history shows
Each MOT record includes the test date, the result (pass, fail, or pass with advisories), the mileage recorded at that test, and the name of the test station where the work was done. If the vehicle failed, you will see a list of defects that caused the failure — these are serious safety or emissions issues that must be fixed before the vehicle can be retested.
The history also records advisories, which are minor issues that did not cause a failure but were noted by the tester. Advisories do not prevent you from using the vehicle, but they flag things that may need attention soon. Over time, you can see whether an advisory got worse or was fixed at a later test.
One thing the MOT history does not show is whether defects were actually repaired after a failure. It only shows what was recorded at each test. If a vehicle failed on brakes in January and passed in March, the history shows both results, but not the repair work done in between.
Why you might need to check MOT history
If you are buying a used car, the MOT history tells you whether the vehicle has been regularly tested and what condition it was in at each test. A car with a clean pass history suggests it has been well maintained. A pattern of failures followed by quick passes might indicate repairs were rushed, or that the vehicle has ongoing issues.
If you own the vehicle, checking your own MOT history can help you spot patterns — for example, if the same defect keeps appearing as an advisory, it may be worth fixing before it becomes a failure. It also serves as a record if you need to dispute a failed test or provide proof of maintenance history to an insurer.
The history is also useful if you are selling a car and want to show potential buyers that it has been well looked after. You can share the MOT history link with them, or they can check it themselves using the same free tool.
How to read a failed MOT result
When a vehicle fails an MOT, the defects are sorted into categories. Dangerous defects are safety issues so serious that the vehicle should not be driven — examples include brake failure, steering problems, or severely damaged windscreens. Major defects are serious but not when ready dangerous — worn brake pads, faulty lights, or emissions problems fall into this group. Minor defects are small issues like a missing trim piece or a slightly worn tyre.
To pass the retest, all dangerous and major defects must be fixed. Minor defects do not have to be fixed to pass, but they should be addressed to keep the vehicle safe. The MOT history shows which category each defect fell into, so you can understand how serious the failure was.
After a failure, you have a set time to fix the defects and return for a retest. The MOT history will show both the original failure and the retest result. If the vehicle was retested and passed, that tells you the defects were fixed. If there is no retest record, the vehicle may not have been repaired.
Checking MOT history for a vehicle you do not own
You can use the MOT history checker to look up any vehicle, not just your own. This is useful if you are considering buying a used car and want to see its maintenance record before you visit the seller. You only need the registration number, which is visible on the number plate.
The checker does not tell you who owns the vehicle or any personal details — it only shows the MOT test records. This means you can research a car's history without the seller knowing you have looked it up. However, the seller should be willing to show you the MOT history themselves, and if they refuse or the history looks suspicious, that is a warning sign.
If you are buying from a dealer, they are required by law to show you the MOT history if the vehicle is over 40 years old or if it has had an MOT test. Private sellers are not legally required to show it, but most will if you ask.
What to do if you cannot find your vehicle in the checker
If you enter your registration number and the checker returns no results, it usually means one of three things: the registration number is entered incorrectly, the vehicle has never had an MOT test, or the vehicle is too old to require an MOT. Vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from MOT testing, so they will not appear in the history.
Double-check that you have entered the registration number exactly as it appears on the number plate, including any spaces. Registration numbers are case-sensitive in the checker, so make sure you use the correct format. If you are still getting no results and the vehicle is under 40 years old, it may not have been tested yet — new vehicles do not require an MOT until three years after first registration.
If the vehicle should have an MOT record but does not appear, contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) to confirm the registration number is correct. You can also contact the test station directly if you remember where the MOT was done — they may have a record even if it has not yet appeared in the online checker, though this is rare.
Understanding MOT history when buying a used car
When you are looking at a used car, the MOT history is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. A vehicle with a clean MOT history has been regularly tested and passed, but it does not may provide the car is in perfect condition. The MOT tests specific safety and emissions standards, not overall mechanical health or cosmetic condition.
Look for patterns in the history. If a car has passed every year with no advisories, that suggests good maintenance. If the same defect appears as an advisory year after year, ask the seller why it has not been fixed. If there are gaps in the history — years where no MOT was recorded — that is a red flag, because every vehicle in use on UK roads must have a valid MOT.
Use the MOT history alongside other checks: a vehicle history report (which shows accidents and insurance claims), a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic, and a test drive. Together, these give you a much clearer picture than the MOT history alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back does the MOT history go?
The checker typically shows the last four to five years of MOT records, though this can vary. Older records may still exist but are not always displayed in the online tool. If you need records older than what appears online, you can contact the test station directly or request the information from the DVLA.
Can I see MOT history for a vehicle I sold years ago?
Yes. The MOT history is tied to the registration number, not to the owner. You can look up any vehicle you previously owned by entering its registration number into the checker. This is useful if you need to refer back to maintenance records for your own reference.
Does the MOT history show who did the repairs after a failure?
No. The MOT history only shows the test results and defects recorded at each test. It does not show where or by whom repairs were carried out. If you need that information, you would need to ask the vehicle owner or check their service records separately.
What if the MOT history shows a vehicle failed but I want to buy it anyway?
A failed MOT does not prevent you from buying a vehicle — it is a historical record. However, you should find out whether the defects that caused the failure were actually fixed. Ask the seller for proof of repairs, or have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you commit to buying it. A vehicle that failed on brakes, for example, should have documentation showing the brakes were repaired.
Is the MOT history the same as a vehicle history report?
No. The MOT history shows only test results and defects. A vehicle history report (sometimes called a car check or HPI check) shows additional information like previous owners, accident history, insurance claims, and whether the vehicle is stolen or has outstanding finance. You may want to check both when buying a used car.