MOT History Check: View, Verify and Understand a Vehicle’s Past MOT Results
An MOT history check reveals every recorded test from DVSA, including passes, failures, advisories, odometer readings, and patterns of upkeep or neglect.
CarVeto enhances this with BVRLA and RMI mileage validation, plate continuity checks, and clustered advisories insights that go far beyond basic records.
Check your MOT history now — fast, free and DVSA-backed.
- What an MOT History Check Shows
- Pass & Fail Results
- MOT Advisories
- MOT Mileage Records
- Missing MOT History
- How to Check a Car's MOT History Online
- How to Verify the Accuracy of MOT History
- Understanding MOT Failures and Advisories
- Why MOT History Matters When Buying a Used Car
- How MOT History Affects Future Costs
- What to Do After Reviewing an MOT History
- Frequently Asked Questions
What an MOT History Check Shows
An MOT history check provides a full record of every MOT test a vehicle has undergone, as recorded by the DVSA.
Each entry includes the result (pass or fail), the test date, any advisories or refusal reasons, recorded mileage, the number of the test, and when the MOT certificate expired.
These records are essential for spotting mechanical trends, confirming mileage, and understanding how well the vehicle has been maintained.
Each DVSA entry includes:
- Pass or fail result
- Date of the test
- Expiry date of the MOT certificate
- Advisories
- Reasons for refusal (if failed)
- Mileage at the time of test
- Miles since the previous test
- Unique test number
This data forms a timeline that helps verify how the vehicle has performed over time, whether it passed consistently or failed repeatedly, and whether maintenance issues have built up or been resolved.
CarVeto’s MOT history check includes all DVSA entries but goes further.
It highlights repeated advisories, flags mileage inconsistencies, and connects records even when a vehicle has changed number plates.
You can check DVLA MOT Mileage to confirm whether mileage is consistent across all recorded tests.
What MOT History Includes vs Excludes
Included in MOT History | Not Included in MOT History |
|---|---|
Pass/fail results | Vehicle ownership history |
MOT test dates and expiry | Insurance or tax status |
Mileage at the time of MOT | Maintenance invoices |
Advisories | General service history |
Test number and test centre ID | Repair or replacement records |
What Causes Missing MOT Records?
Some vehicles show gaps in their MOT history.
This can happen when:
- The car was first registered in Northern Ireland, which uses a different MOT database
- It was imported from overseas and only recently added to the UK system
- The vehicle has had a number plate change, splitting the record into different registration numbers
- It’s over 40 years old and no longer legally required to have an MOT
- An MOT tester entered the VIN or registration incorrectly, causing a mismatch
CarVeto helps fill these gaps by linking MOT records across plate changes and verifying mileage using alternative datasets, making it easier to view the complete history in one place.
Pass & Fail Results
Every MOT test ends in a pass or a fail, based on whether the vehicle meets legal safety and emissions standards.
A pass means it met the required checks at the time of the test.
A fail means it had one or more defects serious enough to make it unroadworthy.
CarVeto shows pass and fail results in a colour-coded timeline, making it easy to scan performance over time.
- Green means pass
- Red means fail
Dates and sequence help identify how long the vehicle stayed roadworthy between tests.
Repeated failures are important.
When the same defects keep reappearing, like suspension faults or brake issues, it can show long-term neglect or poor-quality repairs.
MOT Advisories
Advisories are issues noticed during the test that aren’t serious enough to fail the vehicle, but could worsen if left unrepaired.
These include things like worn tyres, corroded brake pipes, or suspension wear nearing legal limits.
One advisory may not matter much.
But repeated advisories across years, especially for the same parts, show a pattern of missed maintenance.
It often means the car has been run on a tight budget, with faults postponed instead of fixed.
CarVeto highlights repeated advisories types, helping you spot signs of mechanical neglect early.
MOT Mileage Records
Each MOT test includes the mileage recorded at the time.
DVSA also shows miles driven since the last MOT, helping you track usage across years.
Mileage should always increase gradually. Sudden drops or resets could signal tampering.
While dashboard replacements or data entry mistakes can explain this, odometer rollback is a known fraud risk when selling used cars.
CarVeto checks mileage against DVSA data, BVRLA and RMI industry data to catch inconsistencies.
You can check MOT Mileage History to confirm accuracy.
Missing MOT History
Some vehicles have incomplete MOT records, which can make history checks unclear.
That doesn’t always mean something’s wrong, but it does need explanation.
Missing entries usually happen when:
- The car was tested in Northern Ireland, where records are kept separately
- It was imported and only added to UK systems recently
- It had a number plate change, splitting its history under different registrations
- It’s over 40 years old and legally MOT exempt
- A test centre entered the wrong VIN or registration, breaking the record trail
CarVeto links history across plate changes and flags incomplete sequences, helping rebuild a full view of the vehicle’s past.
How to Check a Car’s MOT History Online
You can check a vehicle’s MOT history online using either its registration number (VRM) or VIN.
The results include test dates, pass/fail status, advisories, mileage at test, and expiry dates.
Two main tools are available: CarVeto and GOV.UK.
Here’s how to check MOT history step by step:
- Find the car’s registration number
- Visit a trusted MOT history checker — CarVeto or GOV.UK
- Enter the VRM or VIN
- View all recorded MOT tests
- Check for recurring advisories or unusual mileage
- Look for timeline gaps or number plate changes
For the current expiry date of an MOT, use our MOT Status Check tool.
Where MOT Data Comes From (DVSA)
All MOT data comes from the DVSA, the government body responsible for roadworthiness standards.
When a vehicle is tested, the result is uploaded directly by the test centre to the DVSA’s database.
This official data includes:
- Test date
- Pass or fail result
- Mileage at test
- Advisories
- Expiry date
- Test number
CarVeto accesses this data securely through the DVSA.
While reliable, the raw data doesn’t flag patterns, gaps, or inconsistencies, which is where enhanced tools are useful.
Checking via CarVeto
CarVeto provides a more structured and visual MOT history check.
It shows each test in a colour-coded timeline and highlights patterns other tools don’t catch.
Advantages of CarVeto include:
- Formatted test history with outcome clarity
- Mileage sequencing to spot rollback risk
- Advisory clustering to detect repeated issues
- BVRLA and RMI cross-verification for mileage accuracy
- Plate continuity checks to link records across number changes
These extras help reveal deeper insight into the vehicle’s condition over time.
Checking via GOV.UK
GOV.UK offers a direct lookup of DVSA MOT records.
You can view test dates, results, advisories, and mileage entries. It’s a reliable source for raw data, but has limitations.
GOV.UK does not:
- Reformat the data for easy reading
- Cross-check mileage against external sources
- Highlight repeating advisories
- Detect record breaks from plate changes
It’s useful for a basic look-up, but doesn’t help interpret the data.
Plate & VIN Considerations
MOT records are tied to both the registration number and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If a car changes plates, through a private registration or re-registration, the history may appear split.
CarVeto reconnects records across different plates.
Checking by VIN is more precise, especially when the registration has changed multiple times.
Use our Verify VIN Number tool to confirm a match between the vehicle identity and the MOT data.
How to Verify the Accuracy of MOT History
MOT history is legally sourced from DVSA, but that doesn’t guarantee accuracy.
Some records contain errors, missing mileage, or signs of odometer rollback.
When buying a used car, it’s essential to confirm that the history reflects the vehicle’s real condition and usage.
To verify MOT history, check:
- Year-by-year mileage consistency
- Repeating faults or deferred advisories
- Gaps in the test record or unexplained mileage jumps
- Cross-checks with BVRLA and RMI mileage datasets
What to Look for in a Suspect MOT History
Red Flag | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
Mileage drops between test years | Possible odometer rollback |
Huge mileage jumps in a single year | Missing test, cloned plate, or prior reset |
Same advisories over many tests | Deferred repairs, mechanical neglect |
No MOT records for 2+ years | Imported vehicle, plate change, or false VIN |
One-off high mileage test | Data entry error or swapped instrument panel |
Any of these patterns may signal a deeper problem.
Accurate MOT records help you avoid vehicles with hidden risks and inflated value.
Spotting Mileage Issues
Every MOT test records mileage.
When those entries are accurate, they form a timeline of usage.
But sudden drops, resets, or suspicious patterns could indicate tampering.
Common signs:
- Mileage going backwards
- Low mileage for several years, then a sharp spike
- Usage that doesn’t match ownership or service history
- Round-number resets like 100,000 → 10,000
You can mileage check with CarVeto to confirm DVSA records against BVRLA and RMI data.
Comparing DVSA vs BVRLA/RMI
DVSA mileage is what testers report, but it doesn’t prove the odometer is honest.
That’s where external checks come in.
CarVeto compares MOT mileage against:
- BVRLA (leasing and fleet mileage)
- RMI (garage and servicing records)
If DVSA shows 60,000 miles but BVRLA shows 120,000 in the same timeframe, that’s a strong indicator of clocking.
These sources reveal gaps that MOT data alone can’t detect.
Identifying Recurring Fault Patterns
Cars that repeatedly fail MOTs or receive the same advisories show a clear trend, pointing to neglected maintenance or low repair standards.
Look out for recurring issues with:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Tyres
- Emissions
CarVeto identifies these fault types across the full test history, helping you predict future costs and reliability risks before purchase.
Fixing Incorrect DVSA Data
If an MOT record contains incorrect mileage, VIN, or test date, it can be corrected only by DVSA or the test centre.
Steps to update the history:
- Contact the test centre that entered the data
- If unavailable, contact DVSA with proof of the correct details
- Reference the test number and VIN for faster processing
Corrections are typically made within days.
Clean, accurate MOT records protect you against overpaying and support resale value later on.
Understanding MOT Failures and Advisories
An MOT test focuses on road safety, structural integrity, and emissions compliance.
Failures or advisories signal whether a vehicle met those standards at the time of testing.
A pass signals legal compliance, but advisories may still flag future concerns.
MOT Fail Categories
- Dangerous — defects that make the car unsafe to drive. A failure is mandatory; the vehicle cannot be driven legally until fixed.
- Major — serious defects that breach standards but are not immediately life-threatening. The car fails and requires repair and retest.
- Minor — these do not cause a test fail. The vehicle passes, but small defects or wear are recorded with an expectation that they will be addressed before they escalate.
Common MOT Fail Reasons
Failures often result from: worn or faulty brakes, degraded suspension, dangerously low tyre tread, broken lights or signals, or failed emissions/exhaust checks.
These reasons reflect safety, roadworthiness, or pollution compliance failures.
What Are MOT Advisories?
Advisories note parts that are currently legal but near threshold limits.
For example: tyres close to minimum tread, brake pad wear, suspension corrosion, or small exhaust leaks.
They don’t require immediate repair, but signal issues worth monitoring.
Advisories become especially relevant when they recur.
If similar items appear across several MOTs, it may indicate ongoing neglect, cheap temporary fixes, or avoidance of more costly maintenance.
Over time, these minor issues can evolve into major failures.
You can Check Advisory on MOT to view current advisories linked to a specific vehicle.
This gives insight into potential safety or repair risks, even when the last MOT passed.
Why MOT History Matters When Buying a Used Car
MOT history is more than a static record, it’s a dynamic data set that reveals how a vehicle has behaved, been maintained, or possibly neglected over time.
For a used‑car buyer, that data translates into insight about future reliability, maintenance costs, and resale value.
Key Buyer Signals
- A streak of clean passes, especially over multiple years, usually shows consistent upkeep and a lower likelihood of hidden faults.
- Long chains of advisories, even without failures, often indicate deferred maintenance or worn but tolerated parts.
- Mileage irregularities, such as inconsistent readings or resets, may indicate clocking or tampered odometer readings.
- Repeated failures for the same components (e.g. brakes, suspension, emissions) point to persistent problems or poor-quality repairs.
Together, these signals help you assess whether a car is genuinely a good deal or a hidden liability.
Practical Buyer Use
- Use MOT history to filter out risky vehicles before you spend time inspecting or test-driving.
- Factor observed maintenance issues into your purchase offer, for example, reducing bid price if expected repair work exists.
- Plan for upcoming maintenance costs by identifying recurring advisories or nearing failure patterns.
- Require full history, including mileage validation and plate/VIN continuity, to avoid surprises after purchase.
Start by entering the number plate into our Vehicle Registration Check to view the complete MOT history.
That gives you a solid foundation of evidence to support or warn against the purchase.
Spotting Upkeep Issues
Maintenance patterns are visible in the test timeline.
- Vehicles with multiple straight passes often reflect proper upkeep
- Repeated advisories, especially on the same item, show issues were left unresolved
- Mileage shifts can reveal periods of disuse, excessive wear, or clocking
MOT history lets you interpret whether the car has been cared for or simply kept road legal.
Pricing & Negotiation
MOT records also affect what a car is worth.
- Major failures or serious advisories reduce resale value
- A car nearing its next test or with a history of faults gives room for negotiation
- Buyers with proof of upcoming repair costs are more likely to get a better deal
Used strategically, MOT history gives you facts that support price adjustments.
Comparing to Service History
MOT tests confirm legal roadworthiness,not long-term maintenance. The service record fills that gap.
- MOT: shows if the car was safe to drive on test day
- Service: shows if the car was properly maintained between tests
Checking both provides full coverage of the vehicle’s mechanical health. Use our Vehicle Service Records lookup.
How MOT History Affects Future Costs
An MOT history doesn’t just show what’s happened, it helps predict what’s likely to come.
Patterns in advisories and failures often point to repairs that are due soon, giving you a clearer picture of future running costs.
Recurring Issues Predict Repairs
If the same problems show up across multiple tests, it’s likely they were never fully fixed.
This makes them more expensive over time.
Watch for:
- Worn tyres near the legal limit
- Brake wear or imbalance
- Suspension problems like play or corrosion
- Emission failures due to exhaust or sensor faults
A repeat pattern means the cost hasn’t gone away, it’s just passed on to the next owner.
Advisories Are Future Costs
Advisories are not immediate failures, but they highlight components close to the legal threshold.
Red flags include:
- Items mentioned in multiple years
- Signs of wear or minor leaks that haven’t been addressed
- Corrosion warnings on brake lines, fuel pipes, or chassis parts
Left unchecked, these can lead to costly repairs or outright failures at the next test.
A single advisory chain can add hundreds in repairs if allowed to build up.
Estimate and Plan Ahead
MOT history allows you to:
- Estimate upcoming maintenance
- Spot hidden costs in a car that seems cheap
- Negotiate smarter when buying
The more repeated faults or ignored advisories you see, the more likely you’ll face high repair costs in the next 6–12 months.
What to Do After Reviewing an MOT History
Once you’ve reviewed a car’s MOT history, the next step is to act on what it shows.
Whether you're buying a used vehicle or preparing your own car for its next test, the MOT record gives clear indicators of what to check, fix, or monitor.
1. Review Any Outstanding Advisories
Look for advisories in the most recent MOT result.
These are not failures, but they flag components close to the legal limit, like tyres, brakes, suspension, or lights.
If the same items appear across multiple years, repairs may have been deferred.
Now is the time to get them checked and replaced before they become MOT failures.
2. Verify the Mileage for Accuracy
Check the mileage entries year-by-year.
You’re looking for:
- Sudden drops (possible rollback)
- Unrealistic usage patterns
- Mileage resets
Discrepancies may require further checks against service history or external mileage data.
If you're unsure, run a mileage check to confirm odometer accuracy.
3. Prepare for the Next MOT Test
If the vehicle’s current MOT is due soon, the history offers a clear checklist of what to inspect:
- Past failures that could return
- Repeated advisories
- Time-based wear items like tyres or brake components
Use this to pre-empt issues and increase your chances of a pass.
Knowing what caused past failures helps you avoid repeat problems.
4. Book Repairs or a New MOT
Once repairs are complete, or if you’re ready for the next test, you can Book an MOT directly through CarVeto.
Booking early gives you time to deal with any issues, and avoid test-day surprises.
It also lets you schedule around expiry dates to maintain legal coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
An MOT history is the DVSA-recorded timeline of a vehicle’s past MOT tests.
It includes test outcomes, failure reasons, advisories, mileage, expiry dates, and test numbers.
You can check MOT history back to the DVSA’s digital records in 2005.
Older vehicles or imports may have gaps if they were tested before digital logging began.
You can’t see all MOT history if the vehicle has had plate changes, was recently imported, tested in Northern Ireland, or had pre-digital MOTs.
Use our Car Import Check to confirm.
To check a car’s MOT history online, enter its registration or VIN into CarVeto’s MOT history checker or use the GOV.UK service.
Yes, you can check an MOT history using the VIN.
This is helpful for vehicles with private plates or plate changes where registration records may be split.
An MOT history shows pass/fail results, advisories, refusal reasons, test dates, test numbers, mileage, and expiry dates.
Mileage is included in the MOT history to help identify fraud and detect tampering.
You can also run a mileage check to compare records.
You verify if MOT mileage is accurate by comparing DVSA readings with BVRLA and RMI datasets.
Mismatches suggest possible odometer fraud.
A vehicle would fail an MOT due to dangerous or major defects.
These include worn tyres, faulty brakes, suspension issues, or failed emissions.
Recurring advisories in MOT history mean that defects were flagged but not repaired.
This can indicate neglected maintenance or future repair risks.
No, MOT history is not the same as service history.
MOTs show legal compliance; service history shows maintenance and mechanical care.
MOT history is important when buying a used car because it shows past faults, upkeep patterns, mileage accuracy, and mechanical reliability.
MOT history affects the value of a car by showing condition.
Clean histories increase value; repeated advisories or failures reduce it.
If the MOT history shows a problem, you should get repairs, verify mileage, check advisories, and plan to book a new MOT if needed.
Yes, you can get an MOT history for free.
DVSA data is free, and CarVeto enhances it with structured formatting and data cross-checks.