If you're buying a used car or checking your own vehicle, you may be wondering whether an MOT history check costs money.
The good news is that checking a vehicle's MOT history is completely free in the UK. You can view previous MOT test results, advisory notices, failures and mileage records without paying anything.
Use our free MOT History Checker to instantly check a vehicle's MOT history before you buy.
Is an MOT History Check Free?
Yes.
The official MOT history for any vehicle that has been tested in Great Britain is available completely free of charge.
All you need is the vehicle's registration number.
Unlike a full vehicle history report, there is no charge to view:
- Previous MOT passes
- MOT failures
- Advisory notices
- Recorded mileage
- MOT expiry date
- Defects identified during testing
You can check any eligible vehicle in seconds using our free MOT History Checker.
What Information Can You See?
An MOT history check provides valuable insight into how a vehicle has been maintained throughout its life.
MOT Test Results
You can see every recorded MOT test, including whether the vehicle passed or failed.
This allows you to identify recurring issues or periods where significant repairs were needed before the vehicle passed its MOT.
Advisory Notices
Advisories highlight parts that were worn or beginning to deteriorate but were not serious enough to cause the vehicle to fail.
Repeated advisories over several years may indicate maintenance has been delayed.
To learn more, read our guide: What Are MOT Advisories?
MOT Failures
Previous failures can reveal common problems such as:
- Brake defects
- Suspension wear
- Tyre damage
- Lighting faults
- Corrosion
A single failure isn't necessarily a concern, but repeated failures for the same issue could indicate ongoing maintenance problems.
Mileage History
Every MOT records the vehicle's mileage.
Reviewing these readings helps identify:
- Consistent annual mileage
- Long periods where the vehicle wasn't driven
- Potential mileage discrepancies
Our free MOT History Checker automatically displays the vehicle's recorded mileage history alongside each MOT result.
What's Not Included?
Although an MOT history check is extremely useful, it doesn't include everything about a vehicle.
It won't tell you:
- Outstanding finance
- Insurance write-off status
- Whether the vehicle has been stolen
- Number of previous owners
- VIN information
- Outstanding manufacturer recalls
These checks normally require a separate paid vehicle history report.
Why Do Some Websites Charge?
Many companies advertise paid vehicle checks.
These reports usually combine several databases into a single report, including:
- Outstanding finance
- Insurance write-off records
- Number of previous owners
- Vehicle valuation
- Stolen vehicle databases
However, the MOT history itself remains completely free.
Don't pay for information that's already publicly available.
When Should You Check an MOT History?
Checking a vehicle's MOT history is recommended before:
- Buying a used car
- Selling your vehicle
- Booking an MOT
- Taking a long journey
Reviewing the vehicle's previous MOTs can help you avoid unexpected repair bills and make a more informed buying decision.
Before purchasing any used vehicle, use our free MOT History Checker to review its MOT history in just a few seconds.
Why an MOT History Matters When Buying a Used Car
An MOT history tells you far more than whether a vehicle passed its last test.
It can reveal:
- Whether advisories keep returning year after year
- If expensive repairs may be approaching
- Whether the vehicle appears to have been maintained properly
- If the recorded mileage looks consistent
- How often the vehicle has failed previous MOT tests
A clean MOT history doesn't guarantee a perfect vehicle, but it gives buyers much more confidence than purchasing without checking.
If you're unsure what makes a good MOT record, read our guide: What Makes a Good MOT History When Buying a Used Car?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MOT history check really free?
Yes. Viewing a vehicle's MOT history is completely free.
Do I need the V5 logbook?
No. You only need the vehicle registration number.
Can anyone check a vehicle's MOT history?
Yes. MOT history is publicly available for vehicles tested in Great Britain.
Does an MOT history include mileage?
Yes. Every recorded MOT includes the mileage at the time of testing.
Does an MOT history check show outstanding finance?
No. Finance information requires a separate vehicle history check.
Can I check an MOT history before buying a used car?
Absolutely. In fact, checking the MOT history is one of the most important things you should do before purchasing any used vehicle.
Check Your Vehicle's MOT History for Free
Reviewing a vehicle's MOT history only takes a minute and could save you thousands of pounds in unexpected repairs.
Use our free MOT History Checker to instantly view:
- Previous MOT passes and failures
- Advisory notices
- Mileage history
- MOT expiry date
- Recorded defects
You may also find these guides helpful:
- How to Check a Car's MOT History for Free
- What Is an MOT History Check?
- What Makes a Good MOT History When Buying a Used Car?
- 10 MOT History Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away From a Used Car
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