MOT History Check
An MOT history check is one of the most powerful free tools available to a used-car buyer. Every test, every advisory and every recorded mileage is logged against the registration plate by the DVSA — and RegRadar surfaces all of it in a single, readable timeline.
What's in an MOT history
For each MOT test the record includes the date, the result (pass or fail), the mileage at the time of the test, any advisories the tester noted (things that aren't yet failures but will be soon), and the full list of failure reasons if the car didn't pass first time. RegRadar shows all of it without you needing to click through tab after tab.
How MOT history exposes problems
A 10-year-old car with three different garages, frequent advisories about corroded brake pipes, and a long history of suspension complaints is telling you something — even if the most recent test was a pass. Repeated advisories that never get fixed, big mileage gaps, and a sudden change of testing centre right before sale are all signals worth noticing.
MOT mileage as a clocking detector
MOT mileage is the most reliable defence against odometer fraud. The figures are recorded by an independent tester, logged against the DVSA, and impossible for the seller to alter. If the dashboard reads 60,000 miles but the last MOT was at 95,000, you're looking at a clocked car. Walk away.
What an MOT history check cannot tell you
An MOT only tests roadworthiness on the day. It is not an inspection of the engine internals, the gearbox, the clutch, or the bodywork's structural integrity after a repair. A car can pass its MOT the day after a major insurance write-off has been improperly repaired. That's why a full history check matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MOT history check free?
Yes. RegRadar pulls the data directly from the DVSA at no cost.
How far back does MOT history go?
The DVSA's online MOT records go back to 2005. Vehicles tested before then may have older records on paper that aren't accessible online.
What if the car has no MOT history?
Brand-new cars under three years old don't need an MOT yet, so no history is normal. Older vehicles with no records are unusual — possibly imported, kept off-road on a SORN, or a recently-registered classic.
Can I check the next MOT due date?
Yes. The free check shows the current MOT expiry date alongside the test history.