MOT History Checker

See recorded MOT tests, mileage readings, advisories and failures for UK-registered cars, vans and motorbikes. No account needed.

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%

First-Time Pass Rate By Vehicle Age

Outright pass rate for cars aged 3 to 20 at the time of test.

First-time MOT pass rate by vehicle age age 3: 89.4%, age 4: 88.3%, age 5: 87.3%, age 6: 85.3%, age 7: 83.3%, age 8: 81.3%, age 9: 78.9%, age 10: 76.8%, age 11: 74.6%, age 12: 72.7%, age 13: 71.3%, age 14: 69.8%, age 15: 68.5%, age 16: 67.7%, age 17: 66.9%, age 18: 66.8%, age 19: 66.6%, age 20: 66.9% 60% 70% 80% 90% Age 3: 89.4% from 1,911,328 tests 3 Age 4: 88.3% from 2,000,748 tests Age 5: 87.3% from 1,943,262 tests Age 6: 85.3% from 2,770,878 tests 6 Age 7: 83.3% from 2,830,020 tests Age 8: 81.3% from 3,010,585 tests Age 9: 78.9% from 3,204,505 tests 9 Age 10: 76.8% from 3,136,505 tests Age 11: 74.6% from 2,891,919 tests Age 12: 72.7% from 2,552,304 tests 12 Age 13: 71.3% from 2,185,311 tests Age 14: 69.8% from 1,940,056 tests Age 15: 68.5% from 1,823,355 tests 15 Age 16: 67.7% from 1,575,982 tests Age 17: 66.9% from 1,310,425 tests Age 18: 66.8% from 1,187,419 tests 18 Age 19: 66.6% from 895,205 tests Age 20: 66.9% from 672,705 tests 20 Vehicle age in years

Most Common Failure Categories

Share of recorded failure items in the 2025 class-4 data.

  1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment24.73%
    6,910,063 recorded items
  2. Suspension20.03%
    5,596,026 recorded items
  3. Brakes13.19%
    3,685,769 recorded items
  4. Visibility11.93%
    3,333,627 recorded items
  5. Tyres10.29%
    2,874,893 recorded items
  6. Body, chassis and structure7.66%
    2,139,826 recorded items
  7. Steering4.79%
    1,337,606 recorded items
  8. Noise, emissions and leaks4.48%
    1,250,830 recorded items
View The Age Data Table
First-time MOT pass rate by vehicle age, 2025
Age (Years)TestsPassed First Time
31,911,32889.4%
42,000,74888.3%
51,943,26287.3%
62,770,87885.3%
72,830,02083.3%
83,010,58581.3%
93,204,50578.9%
103,136,50576.8%
112,891,91974.6%
122,552,30472.7%
132,185,31171.3%
141,940,05669.8%
151,823,35568.5%
161,575,98267.7%
171,310,42566.9%
181,187,41966.8%
19895,20566.6%
20672,70566.9%

Method: Outright first-time pass. PRS is separate. Aborted and abandoned tests are excluded. Vehicle age is the test year minus the first-use year.

Clean Green Cars analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT testing data, 2025 test year, class 4. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Full MOT History Failures & Advisories Mileage At Each Test
Example MOT history result showing vehicle details, MOT test records and a mileage history chart.

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
Grey car with MOT records, mileage history chart and keys

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 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.

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 itemWhat to know
Cars up to 8 passenger seatsThe maximum MOT fee is £54.85.
Standard motorcyclesThe maximum MOT fee is £29.65.
Goods vehicles over 3,000kg to 3,500kgThe maximum MOT fee is £58.60 for petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles.
Repairs and retestsThe test fee does not include repairs. Some retests may be free or reduced if handled quickly by the same test station.
Ian counting a wad of banknotes.

What To Do After Your MOT Check

Keep the result useful after you close this page.

1

Save The Vehicle

Add it to My Garage to keep the MOT report with the vehicle details.

2

Set A Free Reminder

Set an MOT reminder so there is time to book the next test.

3

Check The Pattern

Compare repeated advisories and mileage changes with the current vehicle, its service record and the seller's answers.

How To Check MOT History

Three quick steps, completely free.

1

Enter The Registration

Type the plate into the box above.

2

Read The Full History

See every test, advisory, failure and mileage reading.

3

Keep Track Of It

Save the vehicle in My Garage or set a free MOT reminder after checking the result.

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 vehicle, its service record and the seller's answers before you decide.

- Ian Beevis
Co-Founder, Clean Green Cars
Ian Beevis

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.

Susan Difford - Frequently Asked Questions

Related To MOT History Checker

Learn More About MOT History Checker