MOT History Checker
Check any UK vehicle's MOT

1.How the MOT history checker works

This tool connects directly to the DVSA MOT database, which holds the official records for every MOT test carried out in the UK since 2005. Simply enter a vehicle's registration number (number plate) and the tool will instantly display the complete MOT history for that vehicle.

You can use this service to check any UK-registered vehicle. The data shown includes:

• dates and results of all MOT tests
• current MOT expiry date
• mileage recorded at each test
• advisory notices issued during each test
• dangerous or major defects that caused a failure

The service is operated by DVSA and is completely free to use. No account or sign-in is required.

How to use this checker

Enter the vehicle registration number (number plate) in the search box at the top of this page and click "Check MOT". The registration should be entered without spaces, for example AB12CDE, although spaces are accepted.

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2.What the MOT test checks

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. The test does not check the overall condition of the engine, gearbox or clutch. MOT testers check over 40 components and systems, grouped into the following categories:

• lights – headlights, indicators, brake lights, number plate lights
• steering and suspension – condition, operation and security
• brakes – condition, operation, performance and balance
• tyres and wheels – condition, tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm) and security
• seatbelts – condition, operation and security
• bodywork – sharp edges, corrosion affecting structural strength
• exhaust system – condition, security and emissions
• windscreen – damage, wipers and washers
• registration plates – legibility and correct format
• horn – operation

Since May 2018, defects are categorised as Dangerous (immediate risk to road safety), Major (likely to affect safety or the environment) or Advisory (not an immediate failure but worth monitoring).

Resources

picture_as_pdf Download the MOT test items checklist (PDF)

open_in_new View MOT inspection manual on GOV.UK

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3.Understanding advisory notices

An advisory notice is issued when a tester finds something on the vehicle that is not bad enough to cause a failure but that could become a problem in the future. Advisories are recorded against the vehicle's MOT history and are visible in this checker.

Common advisory items include:

• tyre tread depth approaching the legal minimum
• minor corrosion on bodywork or brake pipes
• brake pad thickness nearing replacement level
• slight play in steering components
• minor fluid leaks

Advisory notices do not prevent a vehicle from passing its MOT, but they are a useful indicator of potential future repair costs. When viewing a vehicle's history, a large number of recurring advisories may suggest deferred maintenance.

The advisory data toolkit can be used to:

• assess the condition of a used vehicle before buying
• plan future maintenance and budgeting
• understand trends in vehicle wear over time

Resources

open_in_new Understanding your MOT result on GOV.UK

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4.Mileage records and fraud

Every time a vehicle has its MOT test, the mileage shown on the odometer is recorded by the tester and stored in the DVSA database. This creates an official mileage history that spans the vehicle's lifetime, making it much harder for unscrupulous sellers to commit odometer fraud (commonly known as "clocking").

When reviewing a vehicle's MOT history, check that:

• mileage increases consistently from test to test
• there are no unexplained large drops in recorded mileage
• the mileage shown by the seller matches the most recent MOT record

If you see a decrease in mileage between any two tests, the vehicle may have had its odometer tampered with. This is illegal under the Fraud Act 2006 and vehicles with clocked mileage may be worth significantly less than the asking price.

Resources

open_in_new Report suspected odometer fraud to Trading Standards

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5.MOT exemptions

Not all vehicles require an annual MOT test. The following categories are generally exempt from the MOT requirement:

• vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980 (since May 2018) – classic vehicles over 40 years old
• new vehicles – not required until the vehicle is three years old
• goods vehicles with a plating certificate tested under a different regime
• vehicles used only for off-road purposes
• vehicles that have a current SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)

Even if a vehicle is exempt from the annual MOT, it must still be kept in a roadworthy condition at all times. Police officers and DVSA examiners can stop and inspect any vehicle on the road.

Resources

open_in_new Check if your vehicle needs an MOT on GOV.UK

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6.Buying a used vehicle

Checking the MOT history is one of the most important steps when buying a used car, van or motorcycle in the UK. It gives you an independent, government-held record of the vehicle's condition and usage over time.

Before committing to a purchase, use this checker to:

• confirm the vehicle has a valid MOT and when it expires
• review the full pass/fail history
• check for recurring advisory items that suggest ongoing problems
• verify the mileage history is consistent and has not been tampered with
• look for any dangerous defects noted in previous tests

Remember that a vehicle's MOT history is just one part of due diligence. You should also check:

• whether the vehicle has been reported stolen (Police National Computer)
• whether there is outstanding finance on the vehicle
• whether the vehicle has been written off in an insurance claim
• the V5C logbook to confirm keeper history and registered details

Resources

open_in_new Buying a used vehicle safely – GOV.UK guidance

open_in_new Check if a vehicle has been written off

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7.Other vehicle checks

DVSA and DVLA provide a range of other free online vehicle services. The links below will help you access official records and services for any UK-registered vehicle.

open_in_new Check vehicle tax status (DVLA)

open_in_new Check for outstanding vehicle recalls (DVSA)

open_in_new Make a SORN – tell DVLA the vehicle is off the road

open_in_new Find an approved MOT test centre

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