How to check MOT history
Want to learn more about the MOT history of a vehicle? In this article, we’ll explain why checking this can be beneficial, what is shown on an MOT history check, and how you can access one.
Keep reading to learn more.
Why check MOT history?
Alongside its service history, a car’s MOT history is a quick and easy way to get a snapshot of the vehicle’s past in terms of maintenance and repairs. This can be helpful if you’re buying a car, as it allows you to get a feel for how reliable the vehicle is and how well it has been looked after by previous owners. If it has repeatedly failed its MOT for the same reason each time, for example, this might be an indicator of an underlying problem that is either too complicated or too costly to repair. As well, MOT and service histories should show you the mileage of the car recorded at the time. Comparing these can help you to spot illegal ‘clocking’ – the practice of turning back the odometer to make the car appear as though it has been used less than the reality in order to hike up the asking price.
On the flip side, an MOT history check can also be helpful if you’re the one selling the car. By checking this information beforehand and providing it to potential buyers, you can show them that the vehicle has been looked after well in your care, with no advisories flagged at MOTs. This can be useful if you only have a partial service history available, as it can help to reassure buyers that the car has been well-maintained even if you don’t have the invoices and paperwork to prove it directly.
Additionally, MOT history checks can be used to find information on previous maintenance issues for insurance purposes. Plus, if you’ve lost track of when your next MOT is due, you need confirmation of your car’s current MOT status, or you want to know what your mileage was at the time of your last MOT, you can find out all of this as well.
It’s important to remember that cars under three years old aren’t legally required to have an MOT. Whether you’re the vehicle owner or a prospective buyer, if the car in question is less than three years old, there might not be any MOT records for you to access. In this case, you’ll have to rely on the vehicle’s service history for information relating to maintenance and repairs.
What does an MOT history check show?
Although it might sound like a one-trick pony, an MOT history check can actually give you a great deal of information about a given vehicle. It works by accessing the DVSA database for information relating to a specific registration plate – so if the vehicle in question has had its plates changed for any reason, you may need to do separate checks for each different registration number in order to find the information you’re looking for.
With an MOT history check, you can find out:
- The vehicle’s current MOT status
- When your next MOT is due
- A brief summary of the car’s details – make and model, car colour and the date it was registered
- What kind of fuel the car uses – e.g. petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric
- The details of all MOTs since 2005
- Any manufacturer recalls relating to that vehicle
Under the MOT history section, you’ll find the final result – pass or fail – the date of the test, the MOT test number, the new expiry date if applicable, and the car’s mileage at the time of the test. This can be useful to give you an idea of how many miles you’ve driven in roughly a year – depending on when the previous test was. You can also find out the location of the MOT if you enter the latest V5C number – an eleven digit number found in your vehicle’s log book. Where the vehicle has failed its MOT, you will be able to view a breakdown of all faults split into dangerous, major and minor faults or advisories.
How to check your car MOT history
Checking your car’s MOT history – or that of a car you’re interested in buying – is simple. All you need in order to access most of the information is the car’s registration number. You’ll only need the V5C number from the vehicle log book if you want to know the locations of the MOT tests or if you want to download copies of previous MOT certificates.
To find out when the current MOT certificate of a car expires, use any MOT checker online. You should be able to find dozens, but it’s important to pick one from a reputable source, such as our very own MOT checker. You’ll be prompted to enter the car’s registration number, and you may be asked to enter contact information if the service also offers reminders for when your next MOT is due. Entering your email and opting into marketing communications on our checker allows you to access exclusive offers and discounts.
If you need more information about specific past faults and mileages, you’ll need to use the government’s MOT history checker. Most information can be found using the car’s registration number, however to access additional services such as printable MOT certificates, you’ll also need to end the V5C number when prompted.
