The MOT history is free, takes 30 seconds to check, and tells you more about the true condition of a used car than almost anything else. Yet most buyers never look at it. Here's what it shows, what it means, and what to watch out for.
How to Check MOT History
Go to check-mot.service.gov.uk and enter the car's registration number. That's it. You'll see every MOT test recorded — pass or fail — going back to 2005. Each test shows:
- The date of the test
- The mileage at the time
- Whether it passed or failed
- The reasons for any failure
- Any advisory notes
Reading the Mileage — The Most Important Check
Look at the mileage recorded at each test. It should increase consistently over time. If the mileage at any point is lower than a previous test, the car has been clocked. End of conversation. Walk away.
Also check whether the current odometer reading makes sense against the most recent MOT. A car with 47,000 miles on the clock that had 44,000 miles at its MOT eight months ago has covered 3,000 miles — plausible. One that had 44,000 miles two years ago and now shows 46,000 has supposedly covered 2,000 miles in two years. Ask questions.
Understanding Failures
A failure isn't automatically a dealbreaker. Some failures are minor and cheap to fix. Look at what it failed on:
- Lights, wipers, tyres — cheap fixes, nothing to worry about if resolved
- Brakes — moderate concern depending on severity. Check service history for brake work.
- Emissions — can indicate engine issues, particularly on diesels with DPF problems
- Structural rust — serious. This can mean the car's chassis is compromised.
- Steering and suspension — moderate to serious depending on what specifically failed
Understanding Advisories — The Hidden Story
Advisories are the most underrated part of the MOT history. They're items the tester noted as concerns that weren't serious enough to fail — yet. Looking at advisories across multiple years tells you what's been slowly deteriorating.
Red flags in advisories:
- The same advisory appearing repeatedly — the owner has been ignoring it
- Rust advisories getting progressively more serious
- Brake, suspension, or steering advisories that were never followed up with documented repair
Normal advisories: Tyre wear noted, minor corrosion mentioned, windscreen chips. These come up on well-maintained cars regularly — don't panic unless they're recurring or escalating.
Gaps in the MOT History
A gap of more than 13 months between MOT tests means the car either wasn't on the road (SORN'd) or was driving illegally. Ask the seller to explain any gaps. Plausible explanations exist — cars stored during illness or overseas living, for instance. An explanation that doesn't add up is a reason for caution.
Once your checks come back clean, find your perfect car on AllCarsUK — London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, and across the UK.