Free UK vehicle check

Official DVSA MOT records

Check a vehicle's MOT history before you buy

Enter any UK registration to view the vehicle's MOT history, Buyer Score, estimated repair costs, mileage analysis and negotiation guidance.
Official DVSA dataFree to useNo registration required

Check any UK vehicle

Enter the registration

Get an instant MOT history report using the latest available official records.

Results in seconds
No card required
Free report

Your free vehicle report

More than a basic MOT history check

Understand what the vehicle's MOT records could mean for reliability, repair costs and your position when negotiating with the seller.

Risk assessment

Buyer Score

A clear score from 0 to 100 based on recent MOT results, advisories, failures, recurring defects and mileage consistency.

Likely expenditure

Estimated Repair Costs

Indicative cost ranges based on defects and advisories recorded during the vehicle's latest MOT test.

Recorded mileage

Mileage Analysis

Highlights mileage drops, unusually low annual use and high-mileage patterns that may need further investigation.

Full vehicle record

Complete MOT Timeline

Review every available pass, failure, advisory, defect and mileage reading returned by official DVSA records.

Buying guidance

Negotiation Position

Use estimated repairs and the vehicle's MOT risk profile to understand where you may have leverage on the asking price.

Practical next steps

Seller Questions

Receive targeted questions to ask about tyres, brakes, corrosion, suspension, leaks and other recorded issues.

Repair costs and negotiation estimates are indicative only. Actual prices vary by vehicle, parts, garage and location.

Buy with better evidence

Why check MOT history before buying?

A vehicle can look clean during a viewing while its MOT record reveals repeated maintenance problems, unresolved advisories or unusual mileage patterns.

Repeated advisories involving tyres, brakes, suspension, corrosion or oil leaks may indicate ongoing maintenance needs and potential near-term costs.

Mileage records can also expose unusual changes and help you ask more informed questions before committing to a purchase.

Illustrative example

Turn MOT defects into practical buying information

A vehicle with advisories for worn rear brake discs and an oil leak might receive a Buyer Score of 68 out of 100 and show £250–£340 in potential near-term work.

Subject to an inspection and actual repair quotations, that information could support asking the seller to reduce the purchase price.

Trusted vehicle information

Powered by official DVSA MOT records

MOT history is sourced from official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency records. Always combine an MOT history check with a physical inspection and service-history review before buying a used vehicle.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Key information about the free MOT checker, its data and the Buyer Score.

Is this MOT history check free?

Yes. You can check a vehicle's MOT history, advisories, failures, mileage records and MOT expiry information free of charge.

Where does the MOT data come from?

The MOT history information is sourced from official DVSA MOT records.

Can I check a vehicle before buying it?

Yes. Checking a vehicle's MOT history before buying a used car can help identify advisories, failures, recurring issues and potential repair costs.

What are MOT advisories?

MOT advisories identify components that may require attention soon, even though the vehicle passed its MOT test.

Can mileage history help spot problems?

Yes. Mileage records can help identify unusual patterns that may warrant further investigation when buying a used vehicle.

What is the Buyer Score?

The Buyer Score is The Garage Locator's independent assessment based on a vehicle's recent MOT history. It considers recent MOT results, current advisories, recurring issues, mileage consistency and higher-risk defects.

Free vehicle check

Ready to check a vehicle?

Enter a UK registration and get the vehicle's MOT history, Buyer Score and buying guidance in seconds.