Free MOT history check
Every MOT since 2005 for any UK vehicle. Pass or fail, the mileage at each test, every advisory, and any safety recall still waiting to be fixed.
Free, no sign-up. Results come straight from DVSA's MOT records. See an example report
What the check shows
- Problems picked out for you
- We read the whole record and list what is worth asking about: mileage that went down, the same fault at more than one MOT, long gaps between tests, and unfixed safety recalls.
- MOT status and a reminder
- Whether the MOT is valid and how many days are left. Add the renewal date to your phone's calendar in one tap, no email needed.
- Mileage on one chart
- The odometer reading at every test, the average per year, and any reading lower than the one before marked in red.
- Every test, in plain English
- Each pass and fail with the defects the tester recorded, the most serious first, so the important ones are not buried.
Reading an MOT result
Since 20 May 2018, testers grade everything they find as dangerous, major, minor or advisory. Knowing which is which tells you how much a list of defects actually matters.
- Dangerous
- A direct risk to road safety. The car fails and should not be driven until it is repaired.
- Major
- Could affect safety or the environment. The car fails and must be repaired before it passes.
- Minor
- A small fault with no real effect on safety. The car passes, and the fault is listed.
- Advisory
- Wear that is still legal but worth watching, such as tyres or brakes getting close to the limit.
Tests before May 2018 used a simpler pass, fail and advisory system. Those older results show as Failure or Advisory.
The same advisory appearing year after year is worth noticing. It usually means the part was never replaced and is still wearing.
Checking a car before you buy it
The MOT record is the most honest document a used car has, because the seller cannot edit it. These are the four things to look for, and VehicleFile picks out each of them for you:
- Mileage that only goes up. Compare the last MOT reading with the dashboard. A big gap in the wrong direction needs explaining.
- Gaps between tests. A missing year can mean the car was off the road, which is fine, or driven without an MOT, which is not.
- Repeat advisories. The same worn part noted three years running is a repair the next owner will pay for.
- Outstanding recalls. Free to fix, but you want it done before you drive away.
MOT data does not show finance, write-offs or theft. For those you need a paid history check.
Questions
Is the MOT history check free?
Yes. There is no charge, no account and nothing to install. Type a registration and the results load on the page.
Where does the information come from?
From the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which records every MOT test done in Great Britain since 2005 and in Northern Ireland since 2017. VehicleFile reads that record and lays it out more clearly. We are not part of DVSA or DVLA.
What is the difference between an advisory and a failure?
An advisory means the tester saw wear that is still legal, such as a tyre getting close to the limit. A minor defect is a small fault that does not stop the car passing. A major or dangerous defect means the car failed and must be repaired before it passes.
Why might the mileage go down between two MOTs?
Most often the test centre typed the number wrong, or the instrument cluster was replaced and the new one started from a different reading. Occasionally it means the odometer was wound back. If you are buying, ask the seller to explain any drop and show the paperwork.
Can I see who owns a car?
No. MOT records contain no owner names or addresses, and neither does this check.