Every MOT test, every advisory, every mileage reading — free.
A car's MOT history is the best public record of how it's been looked after. Every MOT test since 2005 is held by the DVSA and shows whether the car passed, what was flagged as an advisory, what failed, and the mileage on the day. SortedCheck pulls the full MOT record for any UK car — instantly, free, no sign-up. Just type the reg plate.
Every test the DVSA has on record, back to 2005.
Free MOT history from DVSA — plus DVLA vehicle data and ULEZ compliance. Free PDF report by email.
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The MOT test is the legal roadworthiness check that every car over three years old must pass each year in Great Britain. It is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), an executive agency of the Department for Transport. Every test result, mileage reading, advisory and failure since 2005 is held on the DVSA's MOT history database — and it is published, for free, by registration number.
A car registered in Great Britain needs its first MOT on the third anniversary of the date of first registration. After that the test must be repeated annually. Northern Ireland uses a separate system run by the DVA with similar timing. You can have the test up to one calendar month before the expiry date and keep the existing renewal date — useful if a buyer wants the car tested before completing a sale.
The maximum fee a test station can charge for a car is set by DVSA and is published on gov.uk. Stations may charge less, but not more.
Since 20 May 2018 the test uses three defect categories defined by DVSA:
Advisories are also recorded — these are items the tester believes will need attention before the next test but which do not fail the car today. A long string of repeated advisories for the same component (for example, "front brake pads wearing thin") that never resolve into a major failure can be a sign the seller has been ignoring routine maintenance.
Driving on a public road without a current MOT is an offence. The penalty is a fine of up to £1,000, and most motor insurance policies will be invalidated for the period the vehicle was not roadworthy. Driving a car that has failed its MOT carries a heavier penalty — up to £2,500 and three points on a licence — unless the journey is directly to or from a pre-booked re-test or repair appointment.
Every MOT certificate records the mileage shown on the odometer at the time of the test. Because DVSA holds these readings going back to 2005 you can trace a car's mileage progression year by year. A reading that drops between tests, a sudden flat year-on-year line on a high-use vehicle, or a long unexplained gap with no MOT taken at all are all worth questioning — they can indicate the car has been imported, off the road for repair, or that the odometer has been wound back. Odometer fraud is an offence under the Fraud Act 2006.
DVSA's database holds MOT test results from 2005 onwards. Tests carried out before 2005 were recorded on paper certificates and are not part of the digital record. For older imports there may be no UK MOT history at all until the car was first registered in this country.
Yes. DVSA publishes the data through a public API and also offers a free lookup on gov.uk/check-mot-history. SortedCheck queries the same official data — we add automatic mileage analysis and AI-generated plain-English explanations of advisories on top.
Yes — but only if you have a pre-booked test appointment. The journey must be directly to that appointment. You also need valid insurance for the trip; some insurers require notification when an MOT has expired.
Ask for the test before paying a deposit. A car coming up for MOT is at the highest risk of needing repair work, and once you take ownership those costs are yours. If the seller refuses, treat it as a negotiating point or walk away.
Every MOT test on record (from 2005 onward), with pass/fail result, test date, mileage reading, and any advisories or reasons for failure. SortedCheck also bundles DVLA data — make, model, colour, tax and MOT expiry — in the same free lookup.
The DVSA's electronic MOT database starts in 2005. Tests before that aren't available online. For cars registered after 2005, you'll see every test they've ever had.
Yes — MOT data is keyed on the number plate only. You don't need the V5C logbook, the VIN, or the keeper's name.
An advisory is something the tester noticed that isn't a fail yet but is worth watching — e.g. tyres close to the minimum tread, a slight oil leak, corrosion. Advisories don't stop the car passing but they do indicate upcoming costs.
Yes — the current MOT expiry date is shown in the vehicle summary. Driving without a valid MOT is a fixed penalty of £100 and can invalidate insurance.