MOT due date
Confirm whether the MOT is valid and see when the current certificate expires.
MOT Check
Check a vehicle's current MOT status, expiry date, mileage history, advisories and previous test results by registration.
What does a free MOT check include?
See the MOT information that matters for keeping a car legal and assessing a used vehicle.
MOT history
Review previous test dates and the pass or fail result recorded for each test.
Failures and advisories
Read recorded defects, failure reasons and advisory notices before you buy.
Mileage readings
Compare the mileage entered at each MOT test and spot unusual changes.
Check MOT history in three steps
No account or paperwork is needed to start your MOT check.
Enter the registration
Type the UK number plate exactly as it appears on the vehicle.
Open the free report
We retrieve the available MOT status, history, mileage and defect records.
Review the results
Check the expiry date and read any recurring failures or advisories.
Why check a car's MOT history?
An MOT check shows whether a vehicle met the minimum road safety and environmental standards at the time of each recorded test. It also gives buyers a useful timeline of mileage and recurring defects.
Before buying a used car, compare the latest mileage with the advert and inspect any advisory items. Repeated tyre, brake, corrosion or suspension notices may point to maintenance costs that deserve closer inspection.
Remember: an MOT pass is not a mechanical warranty. Inspect and test-drive the vehicle, and consider an independent inspection before purchase.
- Check the MOT is valid before driving or arranging collection.
- Compare recorded mileage for unexplained drops or inconsistencies.
- Review recurring advisories that may still need attention.
- Read past failures to understand previous safety or emissions issues.
- Match the registration against the vehicle and its V5C logbook.
MOT Check FAQs
What does an MOT check show?
An MOT check can show the current MOT status and expiry date, previous test results, mileage recorded at each test, failure reasons, defects and advisory notices where data is available.
Can I check an MOT by registration number?
Yes. Enter the UK vehicle registration at the top of this page to retrieve the available MOT information linked to that number plate.
How often does a car need an MOT?
Most cars need an MOT every year once they are three years old. Different rules can apply to some vehicles, including historic vehicles, taxis and certain specialist classes.
What is checked during an MOT test?
An MOT test covers key safety and environmental items including brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, visibility, seat belts, the exhaust and emissions. It does not assess the vehicle's complete mechanical condition.
Can I drive a car after its MOT expires?
You generally cannot drive or park a vehicle on a public road without a valid MOT. Limited exceptions may apply when travelling to a pre-arranged MOT test or certain repairs. Check the current rules on GOV.UK before driving.
Why might an MOT record be missing?
Records may be limited for older vehicles, recently completed tests, vehicles tested outside Great Britain or registrations that have changed. Confirm the registration and check again if a recent result has not appeared.
