MOT Check by Number Plate — Free UK Guide
The DVSA publishes free MOT history for any UK vehicle. Here is how to use it, what the results mean, and what to look for when buying a used car.
What the MOT Check Shows
Entering a registration number in the DVSA MOT service returns:
- Current MOT expiry date (or "no valid MOT")
- Date and result of every MOT since 2005
- Recorded mileage at each test
- Full list of failures for failed tests
- All advisory items noted at each test
- MOT test station name for each test
Using MOT History to Detect Mileage Fraud
Mileage clocking — resetting the odometer to show a lower reading — is one of the most common used car frauds. The MOT mileage records are the most reliable free tool to detect it.
Look at the mileage at each annual test. A genuine vehicle's mileage increases consistently year on year. Warning signs:
- Mileage drops between tests
- Mileage increases by an implausibly small amount (e.g. only 200 miles in a year)
- Large jump in mileage after a keeper change, then drops back to low mileage
Understanding Advisories
An advisory is not a failure — but it should be read carefully. A single advisory for a minor item is normal. Watch for:
- Recurring advisories — the same issue appearing year after year was never fixed
- Brake and tyre advisories — safety items that needed attention
- Oil leak advisories — indicate ongoing engine issues
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the MOT on a car using its number plate?
Enter the registration number at the DVSA's MOT check service (check-mot-history.service.gov.uk) or via VEHIXA. You will receive the current MOT expiry date, and for vehicles tested since 2005, the full MOT history including pass/fail results, mileage at test, and all advisory items.
Is MOT history free to check?
Yes. The DVSA publishes free MOT history for any UK vehicle. VEHIXA also returns MOT history in the free check alongside DVLA tax and vehicle details.
How far back does MOT history go?
DVSA digital MOT records are available for tests conducted from 2005 onwards. Older tests are not digitised. For a vehicle first registered in 2000, you would see MOT records from 2005 but not from 2000-2004.
What do MOT advisories mean?
An advisory is a note from the MOT tester about something that is not yet a failure but may become one. Advisories do not prevent the vehicle from passing its MOT on that occasion, but they indicate items that need monitoring or will need attention before the next test. Common advisories include tyre tread approaching the limit, minor brake wear, and small oil leaks.
Can I check MOT history before buying a used car?
Yes, and you should — it is free and takes seconds. MOT history reveals the mileage at every test (useful for detecting clocking), the overall maintenance standard (from pass/fail patterns), and specific issues that have been flagged over the years. Run this check before viewing any used car.
Check MOT history for any UK vehicle
Full MOT history, mileage records, and tax status — free with VEHIXA.
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