Check a car's MOT history
Enter a number plate to see every MOT since 2005, with results, advisories, mileage and when the next test is due. It's free and you don't need an account.
What the MOT history shows
Each test since 2005 (2017 for tests in Northern Ireland) with its date, result and the mileage recorded. For every test you'll see the defects that failed it and the advisories the tester noted, so you can tell whether a problem was fixed or has been carried from year to year. If the car passed, you'll see when that certificate runs out.
It doesn't show who owned the car, whether it's on finance, stolen or written off, or its service history.
Checking a car before you buy it
- Mileage that goes down between tests can mean the clock has been wound back, though a replaced instrument cluster or a typing error at the garage can cause it too. Ask the seller for paperwork.
- The same advisory year after year, like corrosion or a worn tyre, is a job that's been put off. Budget for it.
- Gaps in the history mean the car wasn't tested that year. It may have been off the road on SORN, or driven without an MOT.
- Fails followed by a pass the same day usually mean the garage fixed the fault there and then.
What the defect types mean
- Dangerous
- Fail. A direct and immediate risk to road safety or a serious impact on the environment. Don't drive it until it's fixed.
- Major
- Fail. Could affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. Repair it straight away.
- Minor
- Pass. No significant effect on safety or the environment. Repair it as soon as you can.
- Advisory
- Pass. Not bad enough to fail yet, but the tester thinks you should keep an eye on it.
Definitions from DVSA's MOT inspection manual for cars.
When the next MOT is due
A car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration, then every year. You can get it tested up to a month minus a day before the current certificate runs out and keep the same renewal date. Cars built or first registered more than 40 years ago don't need an MOT unless they've been substantially changed. Sources: GOV.UK's getting an MOT and historic vehicles guides.
Questions people ask
Is an MOT history check free?
Yes. The records come from DVSA and there’s nothing to pay here or on GOV.UK. You only need the registration number.
How far back does MOT history go?
For cars, motorcycles and vans, to tests done since 2005. Tests done in Northern Ireland only appear from 2017.
When is a car’s first MOT due?
By the third anniversary of its registration in Great Britain. Some vehicles, such as taxis and ambulances, need one at a year old.
How early can I get an MOT?
Up to a month minus a day before the current one runs out, and you keep the same renewal date. If it expires on 15 May, the earliest test that keeps the date is on 16 April.
What’s the difference between dangerous, major and minor?
Dangerous and major defects mean the car fails. Dangerous ones are a direct and immediate risk to road safety. Minor defects are recorded but the car still passes. Advisories are things the tester noticed that aren’t bad enough to fail yet.
Does it work for Northern Ireland cars?
Partly. Tests done in Northern Ireland only appear from 2017, so older NI history is missing. For a duplicate certificate on an NI car, use NI Direct.
Record dates from GOV.UK's check the MOT history of a vehicle page. Northern Ireland: booking an MOT or vehicle test on NI Direct.