MOT History Checker
See recorded MOT tests, mileage readings, advisories and failures for UK-registered cars, vans and motorbikes. No account needed.
What Does The MOT History Show?
- Every test result: pass or fail, going back as far as DVSA records show
- Advisories and failures: the exact items noted by the tester each time
- Mileage at each test: useful for spotting inconsistent or unusual jumps
- Current MOT status: whether the vehicle has a valid MOT and when it expires
How To Read An MOT History
Read the latest result first, then look for patterns across earlier tests.
- Pass: the vehicle met the MOT test standard on that day. A pass is not a warranty or a promise that it will remain roadworthy.
- Minor defect: the vehicle can pass, but the item should be repaired soon.
- Advisory: the tester noticed an item to monitor or repair. A repeated advisory can help you decide what to inspect next, but it does not prove there is a fault now.
- Major or dangerous defect: the vehicle fails. Don't assume it can be driven after a fail. Check whether the previous MOT is still valid and whether any dangerous defect is recorded.
- Mileage timeline: compare the readings in date order. A drop or unusual jump is worth asking about, but it is not proof that the mileage was altered.
MOT Pass Rates And Common Reasons For Failure
Clean Green Cars analysed 39,967,860 class 4 MOT tests recorded in 2025. The charts below report the results without assessing any individual vehicle.
- Tests Analysed
- 39,967,860
- Passed First Time
- 76.9%
- Passed Including PRS
- 81.3%
Explore The Age Chart, Failure Ranking And Data Table
First-Time Pass Rate By Vehicle Age
Outright pass rate for cars aged 3 to 20 at the time of test.
- Passed first time
- Tests analysed
- Change with age
Most Common Failure Categories
Share of recorded failure items in the 2025 class-4 data.
-
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment24.73%6,910,063 recorded items
-
Suspension20.03%5,596,026 recorded items
-
Brakes13.19%3,685,769 recorded items
-
Visibility11.93%3,333,627 recorded items
-
Tyres10.29%2,874,893 recorded items
-
Body, chassis and structure7.66%2,139,826 recorded items
-
Steering4.79%1,337,606 recorded items
-
Noise, emissions and leaks4.48%1,250,830 recorded items
View The Age Data Table
| Age (Years) | Tests | Passed First Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1,911,328 | 89.4% |
| 4 | 2,000,748 | 88.3% |
| 5 | 1,943,262 | 87.3% |
| 6 | 2,770,878 | 85.3% |
| 7 | 2,830,020 | 83.3% |
| 8 | 3,010,585 | 81.3% |
| 9 | 3,204,505 | 78.9% |
| 10 | 3,136,505 | 76.8% |
| 11 | 2,891,919 | 74.6% |
| 12 | 2,552,304 | 72.7% |
| 13 | 2,185,311 | 71.3% |
| 14 | 1,940,056 | 69.8% |
| 15 | 1,823,355 | 68.5% |
| 16 | 1,575,982 | 67.7% |
| 17 | 1,310,425 | 66.9% |
| 18 | 1,187,419 | 66.8% |
| 19 | 895,205 | 66.6% |
| 20 | 672,705 | 66.9% |
How MOT History Data Works
DVSA MOT records are created each time an authorised test station records a test. The record can include the test date, result, mileage, expiry date, advisory items, minor defects, major defects and dangerous defects.
The history is a record of what the tester found at each test. It doesn't show every repair made between tests, and vehicle condition can change quickly. Compare it with the current condition, service history and seller information.
How Much Does An MOT Cost?
These maximum MOT fees were checked against GOV.UK on 4 August 2026. Test centres can charge less. Repairs and some retests cost extra.
| MOT cost item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Cars up to 8 passenger seats | The maximum MOT fee is £54.85. |
| Standard motorcycles | The maximum MOT fee is £29.65. |
| Goods vehicles over 3,000kg to 3,500kg | The maximum MOT fee is £58.60 for petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. |
| Repairs and retests | The test fee does not include repairs. Some retests may be free or reduced if handled quickly by the same test station. |
What To Do After Your MOT Check
Use the result to organise the next job and spot anything that needs a closer look.
Save This Vehicle
Keep this MOT report, reminders and future checks together. Save in My Garage
Set The Next Reminder
Choose an email date before the MOT expires so there is time to book a test or arrange repairs. Set a free MOT reminder
Review Before You Act
Look for: repeated advisories, unusual mileage changes and failed items that may still need attention. Compare them with the vehicle, its service record and the seller's answers.
How To Check MOT History
Start with the latest test, then read backwards to see the vehicle's pattern over time.
Enter The Registration
Use the number plate exactly as shown on the vehicle. Spaces are optional. Go to the registration box
Read The Latest Test First
Check the result, expiry date and any dangerous or major defects, then work backwards through earlier tests.
Follow The Pattern
Compare mileage and repeated advisories across tests. Save the vehicle or set a reminder when you finish.
What Our Expert Says
An MOT history works best as a pattern, not a verdict based on one test. Repeated tyre, brake or suspension advisories can help you decide what to inspect next.
A pass only records the vehicle's condition at the test. Compare the history with the car, its service record and the seller's answers before you decide.
Co-Founder, Clean Green Cars
MOT History FAQs
How Far Back Does The MOT History Go?
It goes back as far as the DVSA holds digital records. The available history varies by vehicle and registration date.
What Is An MOT Advisory?
An advisory is something the tester noticed that does not fail the test yet but may need attention soon, such as a tyre wearing close to the limit.
Can MOT History Reveal Mileage Problems?
It can help. Because mileage is recorded at each test, a reading that drops or jumps unusually is worth questioning.
Is The MOT History Check Free?
Yes. The full MOT history is free to view, with no sign-up needed.
When Is My MOT Due?
Enter your registration and the checker shows your current MOT status and expiry date. You can also set a free reminder.
How Early Can I Get An MOT?
You can usually get an MOT up to one month minus one day before the expiry date and keep the same renewal date.
Can I Drive After An MOT Fail?
It depends on the defect and whether the old MOT is still valid. Dangerous defects mean the vehicle must not be driven until repaired.
Do Electric Cars Need An MOT?
Yes. Electric cars still need an MOT, although they do not have an exhaust emissions test.
Does An MOT Prove A Vehicle Is Safe?
It proves the vehicle met the test standard at the time of the test. It is still the driver's responsibility to keep it roadworthy.
Useful Resources
- Check MOT History on GOV.UK: view recorded results, mileage, failures, advisories and certificate details.
- MOT Test Results on GOV.UK: read what pass, minor, advisory, major and dangerous results mean.
- MOT Test Fees on GOV.UK: check the current maximum fee for each vehicle class.
- Car Write-Off Categories Explained: what Cat A, B, S and N mean. Write-off records are not part of the MOT history.
