What is MOT history and why does it matter?
MOT history is the complete record of every MOT test a vehicle has ever had — including passes, failures, advisory notices, and the mileage recorded at each test. It's publicly accessible and free to check.
What MOT history contains
Why MOT history matters when buying a used car
MOT history is one of the most useful tools available to a used car buyer — and it costs nothing to access. Before handing over money for a used vehicle, checking the MOT history can reveal far more than a quick visual inspection.
Mileage consistency is one of the biggest things to look for. If the mileage recorded at each MOT test jumps around or shows a suspiciously low figure relative to the car's age, that's a potential sign of odometer tampering — also called "clocking." A genuine low-mileage car should show consistently low readings across its entire history.
Recurring advisories are also worth paying close attention to. A single advisory for tyre wear is normal. An advisory for corroded brake pipes showing up across three consecutive tests suggests the issue was never properly fixed.
- Mileage that drops between tests or stays suspiciously flat
- The same advisory appearing in multiple consecutive tests
- Gaps in the history — years with no MOT record at all
- Multiple failures in a short period suggesting poor maintenance
- Dangerous defects recorded (these mean the car was driven in an unsafe condition)
Does MOT history matter for a car I already own?
Yes, especially if you've recently bought the vehicle second-hand. Checking your own car's full MOT history lets you see what advisories have been flagged over the years — even if the previous owner never mentioned them. It's also useful to keep as a reference if you're ever asked to demonstrate the vehicle's service and maintenance background.
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