Free MOT History Check
Check MOT status, history and advisories instantly.
Free · No signup required · Data from DVSA
What is a free MOT check?
A free MOT check lets you instantly look up any UK vehicle's MOT test history using just the registration number. You can see whether the MOT is currently valid, when it expires, results from every recorded test, mileage readings and any advisories or failures.
MOT data comes directly from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and covers all tests from 2005 onwards. This is the same official data source used by garages and the government.
Why check MOT history before buying a used car?
MOT history reveals how well a vehicle has been maintained. Recurring advisories, frequent failures or large gaps between tests can signal underlying problems. MOT records also log mileage at each test, which helps you verify the odometer reading hasn't been tampered with.
However, an MOT only confirms that a vehicle met minimum roadworthiness standards on the day it was tested. It doesn't check for outstanding finance, theft markers, write-off history or other risks that a full car history check can reveal.
How to read MOT history like a buyer
Raw MOT data is only useful if you know what to look for. A few patterns are worth paying close attention to before committing to a used car.
- Recurring failures on the same component. Repeated failures on suspension, brakes or emissions across multiple years suggest an issue that keeps being patched rather than fixed.
- Mileage jumps or drops between tests. Mileage should rise steadily. A sudden jump can mean heavy use; a drop is a serious warning sign that may point to clocking — dig deeper with a mileage check.
- Long gaps with no tests. A two-year gap may simply mean the car was SORN, but it removes data points you'd otherwise use to track condition and mileage. Ask the seller why.
- Advisories that never get addressed. The same advisory recurring year after year — especially on tyres, brakes or corrosion — suggests the owner hasn't kept on top of maintenance.
- Structural, brake or emissions failures. Not every fail is a deal-breaker — a bulb replacement is different to chassis corrosion. Safety-critical failures that keep appearing are expensive and worth walking away from.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my car's MOT is valid?
Enter your registration number into the free MOT checker at the top of this page. You'll instantly see the current MOT status, expiry date, full test history and any advisories or failures.
Is this MOT check free?
Yes. The Carpeep MOT check is completely free with no signup required. Enter any UK registration number to see MOT status, history and advisories at no cost.
What does an MOT check show?
An MOT check shows the vehicle's complete MOT test history including pass/fail results, test dates, recorded mileage at each test, advisories and failure reasons. It also shows the current MOT status and expiry date.
How far back does MOT history go?
MOT history records from the DVSA go back to 2005 when records were digitised. All MOT tests from 2005 onwards are available through our free MOT checker.
What does no MOT history mean?
No MOT history means a car has no recorded MOT tests in official UK databases. This can occur if the vehicle is too new to require MOT testing, has been imported recently, has been off the road for an extended period, or if there are issues with the vehicle's registration or identity that prevent MOT records from being linked.
What should I look for in MOT history when buying a car?
Look for recurring failures on the same components, large or unexplained mileage jumps between tests, long gaps where the car may not have been tested, and advisories that have not been addressed across multiple tests. These patterns reveal maintenance habits and potential problems the seller may not mention.
What's the difference between an MOT check and a full car history check?
An MOT check shows roadworthiness test history only. A full car history check also reveals outstanding finance, theft records, insurance write-offs, keeper changes, mileage discrepancies, import/export history and scrapped status. If you're buying a used car, both checks are recommended.
Run a full car history check
Enter the registration for a complete report: finance, theft, write-offs, mileage, ownership and more.
From £15 · Instant results · No signup · £30k data guarantee