MOT history
Also known as: MOT records, MOT check
MOT history is the record of every annual MOT test a UK vehicle has had since 2005, including pass/fail status, mileage at each test, expiry dates, advisories and recorded defects.
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test has been mandatory for UK vehicles over three years old since 1960. Since 2005, the DVSA has stored every test result electronically and exposed them through the MOT History API, giving free public access to the full record.
A vehicle's MOT history reveals far more than just current MOT validity. Repeated failures on the same item — e.g. brake pad wear, suspension faults, emissions — point to recurring maintenance issues. Long gaps in testing suggest the vehicle was off the road or stockpiled. Advisory notices (items "close to legal limit") forecast upcoming repair bills.
DealerPricing's free vehicle check returns the full MOT history with all advisories and defects, with no signup required. The paid vehicle history check additionally cross-references mileage readings to flag any discrepancy across tests.
How-to guides
- How to check a car’s MOT history for freeCheck any UK car’s MOT history for free: every test since 2005, pass or fail, mileage, advisories and the current MOT expiry date. No signup, instant results.
- When is my MOT due? How to check the MOT expiry dateCheck when your MOT is due in seconds. Enter the registration to see the exact expiry date, the last test result and the advisories to fix before you book.
- How to check a car’s mileage history and spot a clocked carCheck a car’s mileage history free from the reading at every MOT test, learn the two signs of a clocked car, and test the readings in our mileage checker.
- How to check MOT advisories and failuresSee every MOT advisory, minor, major and dangerous defect recorded on a car, free, by registration. Learn what each category means and which ones cost money.
Related terms
- Mileage discrepancyA mileage discrepancy occurs when a UK vehicle's recorded mileage decreases between MOT tests or other records — the leading indicator that the odometer has been illegally tampered with.
- Vehicle tax statusVehicle tax status is the current DVLA record of whether a UK vehicle has valid Vehicle Excise Duty (VED, commonly "road tax") in place — and if so, when it expires.
- HPI checkAn HPI check is a UK vehicle history report that confirms whether a car is stolen, has outstanding finance, has been written off, has mileage discrepancy, or has had its plate, colour or keeper details changed.