How to check MOT and mileage history before buying a used car

Before you travel to see a used car, there's a free check that can tell you a surprising amount about it: its MOT history. Every MOT test in England, Scotland and Wales is recorded, including whether the car passed, what failed, any advisories and the mileage on the day.

It takes a couple of minutes and can save you a wasted trip, or a bad buy.

Where to check MOT history (free)

Use the official GOV.UK MOT history service. All you need is the registration number. For cars tested in England, Scotland and Wales, GOV.UK says you can see:

  • whether each test was passed or failed
  • the mileage recorded at each test
  • when the next MOT is due
  • what failed, and any minor problems or advisories

Results for cars go back to tests done since 2005. Cars tested in Northern Ireland have results from 2017, and some features work differently there.

While you're at it, use DVLA's free vehicle information check to make sure the make, model, colour and other basics match the advert.

Reading the mileage: does it only go up?

Each MOT records the odometer reading, so you can see how the mileage has built up over the years. What you're looking for is a steady, sensible climb.

Good signs:

  • Mileage increases at every test.
  • The latest MOT mileage fits with what's on the dashboard and in the advert.
  • Service records show mileages that slot in between the MOT readings.

Warning signs:

  • A reading that's lower than an earlier one.
  • A sudden, unexplained jump or flat spot.
  • An advertised mileage that's lower than the last MOT reading.

A drop can be an honest typing error at a test centre, or it can be a sign that the odometer has been wound back (often called "clocking"). Either way, ask the seller to explain and to show service records that back up the mileage. If the explanation doesn't add up, walk away.

Also check that the wear on the car matches its miles. A very tired steering wheel, seat and pedals on a car with apparently low mileage is worth questioning.

What failures and advisories tell you

The history doesn't just show passes and fails. It lists what went wrong and anything the tester noted as an advisory, such as tyres close to the legal limit, worn brakes or corrosion.

Use that to:

  • Spot repeat problems. The same advisory appearing year after year can mean something has been put off rather than fixed.
  • Budget for upcoming work. Advisories on the last test may need sorting soon.
  • Check the advert is honest. If the seller says "nothing needs doing" but the last MOT flagged several advisories, ask whether they've been fixed and if there are receipts.

Look for gaps

Most cars need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration and then every year (GOV.UK: getting an MOT). If there's a year or more with no test, ask why. There may be a good reason, like the car being declared off the road (SORN), but you want to hear it.

Check the MOT expiry date

A car with a long MOT left saves you a test, and possibly repairs, in the short term. One that runs out soon could cost you more than you expect. Remember that you can't drive a car on the road without a valid MOT, except to a pre-booked test or to have repairs done.

Other free official checks worth doing

GOV.UK has a short list of checks to make when buying a used vehicle. As well as MOT history, it suggests you:

  • Make sure the details you've been given match DVLA's records.
  • Check for safety recalls.
  • Check the V5C logbook has a "DVL" watermark and that its serial number isn't in the ranges GOV.UK lists as possibly stolen.
  • Match the VIN and engine number on the car to the logbook.

What MOT history won't tell you

MOT records are brilliant, but they don't show everything. They won't tell you whether there's outstanding finance on the car, whether it's been stolen, or whether it's been written off by an insurer. For those, Citizens Advice suggests a private history check from a paid provider. And nothing beats seeing the car in daylight, a proper test drive and, ideally, an independent inspection.

Let Valu8 do the reading for you

A free Valu8 report pulls the official DVSA MOT history for the reg, charts the recorded mileage over time and flags any drops for a closer look. It also lists advisories with indicative repair-cost bands, links to the official recall check, and gives you an estimated value so you can see whether the price makes sense.

Already looking at an advert? Run it through Is this advert fair? to see how the asking price compares with our estimates for similar cars.

FAQs

Is checking MOT history free?
Yes. The GOV.UK MOT history service is free and only needs the registration number.

Can MOT history prove a car hasn't been clocked?
It can't prove it on its own, but mileage that rises steadily at each test, and matches the service records and the car's condition, is reassuring. A reading that goes down is a reason to ask questions.

What if the mileage has dropped between MOTs?
Ask the seller to explain and to show service records with mileages. It may be a recording mistake, but if you're not satisfied, don't buy.

Does MOT history show if a car has finance or was written off?
No. You'll need a paid vehicle history check for outstanding finance, theft and insurance write-offs.

Checking a car before you buy? Get a free Valu8 report with MOT history, mileage chart and an estimated value, or check an advert's price.