When buying a used car or maintaining your current vehicle, checking its MOT history is crucial for safety, legality, and peace of mind. The MOT history checker DVLA service provided by the UK government allows you to access a vehicle’s full MOT record for free.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
✔ What an MOT history check reveals
✔ How to use the official DVLA MOT checker
✔ Alternative MOT check services
✔ Common FAQs about MOT history checks
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to verify a car’s MOT status, spot potential issues, and ensure compliance with UK road laws.
Why Should You Check a Vehicle’s MOT History?
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection required for most vehicles over three years old in the UK. It ensures that cars meet minimum safety and environmental standards.
Using the MOT history checker DVLA, you can uncover critical details such as:
✅ Pass/Fail Records – See if the car has a history of failing MOT tests, which could indicate recurring problems.
✅ Mileage Readings – Detect possible odometer fraud by comparing mileage over time.
✅ Advisories & Defects – Check if past testers noted issues that may need future repairs.
✅ Expiry Dates – Confirm when the next MOT is due to avoid penalties.
Whether you’re buying a used car or just keeping track of your own vehicle’s maintenance, the DVLA MOT history checker is an invaluable tool.
How to Use the Official MOT History Checker DVLA
The UK government provides a free MOT history checker GOV UK service. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the GOV.UK MOT Check Website
Go to the official MOT history service. This is the only gov MOT history checker you should trust for accurate data.
Step 2: Enter the Vehicle’s Details
You’ll need one of the following:
🔹 Vehicle registration number (license plate)
🔹 11-digit V5C logbook reference number
Step 3: Review the Full MOT History
The MOT checker history will display:
📅 Test dates – When the MOT was conducted.
🛣 Recorded mileage – Helps spot inconsistencies (a sign of clocking).
✅ Pass/Fail status – Including reasons for failure.
⚠ Advisory notices – Minor issues to monitor before they become major faults.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying a used car, compare the MOT history with the seller’s claims to avoid scams.
Alternative MOT Check Services
While the DVLA MOT checker history is the most reliable, some third-party services also offer MOT checks, including:
🔸 Car MOT history checker (available on some private vehicle check platforms).
🔸 Tax and MOT history checker (some services combine MOT records with tax status).
However, always cross-check with the official GOV.UK MOT history checker for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the MOT history checker free?
✅ Yes! The GOV MOT history checker is completely free—no hidden fees.
2. Can I check MOT history without a V5C logbook?
✅ Yes, you only need the vehicle’s registration number to use the MOT checker DVLA history.
3. How far back do MOT records go?
📅 The car MOT history checker typically shows records from 2005 onwards.
4. Does the MOT checker show tax status?
❌ No, but you can use the separate vehicle tax checker on GOV.UK.
5. What if my vehicle has no MOT history?
🚗 This could mean:
- The car is under 3 years old (no MOT required yet).
- It has never been registered in the UK.
- There’s an error in the records (contact DVLA for help).