How do I check a car's full MOT history?

You can view a UK vehicle's MOT history using its registration number, which shows every recorded test along with pass/fail results, mileage at each test, and the defects or advisories noted at the time.

What the MOT history can tell you:

• Mileage consistency — comparing recorded mileage across tests can help spot potential discrepancies
• Recurring faults — the same advisory appearing year after year can indicate an ongoing issue that's never been properly fixed
• Overall condition trend — a car with a growing list of advisories may need more investment soon, even if it's currently passing

MOT history is a strong starting point, but it only covers what happened during the annual test — it won't tell you about outstanding finance, previous write-offs, stolen markers, or import/export status. Because of that, most experienced buyers treat MOT history as one part of a wider vehicle history check rather than the whole picture, especially for anything beyond a very low-value purchase.