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UK MOT history check

UK MOT Check

Check any UK vehicle's MOT history instantly by registration number. See mileage readings, pass/fail results, advisories, and dangerous defects before you arrange a viewing or pay a deposit.

Check MOT history by UK registration

Enter a UK registration number to check the full MOT history — every test date, mileage reading, pass/fail result, advisory, and dangerous defect. Free and instant, powered by official GOV.UK data.

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Free instant resultsOfficial GOV.UK dataFull mileage timeline

MOT checks powered by MOT Checkup — our specialist UK MOT partner

UK MOT check vehicle

How It Works

Carlytics checks UK MOT history in 3 steps: enter the registration number, the system pulls official records from GOV.UK, and you receive every test date, mileage reading, pass/fail result, and advisory. The MOT check is free; the full VIN report with theft, recalls, and market value costs EUR 8.90.

From registration number to full vehicle intelligence in three steps.

1

Enter registration

Type the UK reg number from the listing, dealer site, or number plate photo. No VIN needed.

2

We pull MOT records

Official MOT history from GOV.UK: every test date, mileage reading, pass/fail, advisories, and dangerous defects.

3

Decide with confidence

Spot mileage rollbacks, repeated failures, and red flags. Then continue into a full VIN report for theft, recalls, and market value.

What MOT History Reveals

Carlytics surfaces 6 categories of MOT data that sellers rarely disclose: mileage timeline (catches odometer rollbacks), failure patterns on brakes and suspension, advisory items for negotiation leverage, dangerous defects, test frequency gaps, and a bridge into the full VIN report for theft and recall checks.

Every MOT test records data that sellers hope you won't check. Here's what you'll find.

Mileage timeline

Odometer readings at every MOT test create a mileage trail. Drops or gaps are strong indicators of rollback fraud.

Failure patterns

Repeated failures on brakes, suspension, or emissions reveal chronic problems the seller won't mention in the listing.

Advisory items

Advisories are defects not serious enough to fail but likely to need repair soon. They're your negotiation leverage.

Dangerous defects

Items marked 'dangerous' mean the vehicle was unsafe to drive. A history of these is a serious red flag.

Test frequency

Long gaps between tests can mean the car sat unused, was off-road, or was unregistered. All worth investigating.

Bridge to full report

MOT data is just the start. Continue into a full VIN check for stolen-vehicle databases, safety recalls, accident history, and market value.

Go beyond MOT history

The full Carlytics vehicle history report (EUR 8.90) adds stolen-vehicle database checks across European police registers, safety recall alerts from NHTSA and EU Safety Gate, market value estimates from 348,000+ real listings, cross-border import history, decoded specs, and owner complaint patterns.

MOT data is a strong starting point. The full Carlytics report adds everything else you need before buying.

Stolen vehicle database check across European police registers
Safety recall alerts from NHTSA, EU Safety Gate, and UK VSB
Market value estimate from 348,000+ real European listings
Cross-border import and registration history
Technical specifications decoded from the VIN
Owner complaint patterns and reliability scores

UK scope only. MOT history is specific to vehicles registered in England, Scotland, and Wales. For vehicles from other European countries, use a VIN-based check which covers cross-border history, recalls, and theft databases across 35+ markets.

Used car buying guides

Expert advice on mileage fraud, VIN checks, and what to look for before buying.

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How to Check a VIN Number Before Buying a Used Car in Europe

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Understanding Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) -- Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about VIN numbers: what each character means, how to decode a VIN, and why it matters when buying or selling a car.

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Odometer Fraud in Europe -- How to Spot Mileage Rollback

Odometer fraud costs European car buyers billions each year. Learn the warning signs of mileage tampering and how a VIN check can protect you.

Have the VIN? Get the full report.

Enter the 17-character VIN for a complete vehicle history report: theft, recalls, mileage, market value, and cross-border records across 35+ countries.

MOT Check FAQ

Common questions about UK MOT history checks and vehicle inspections.

Can I check MOT history with just the registration number?
Yes. UK MOT history is searchable by registration number - you do not need the VIN. Enter the reg exactly as it appears on the listing or number plate.
Is MOT history available for vehicles outside the UK?
No. MOT is the UK's annual roadworthiness inspection. Other European countries have their own systems (TUV in Germany, APK in the Netherlands, etc.). For non-UK vehicles, use our VIN check which covers 47+ countries.
Why should I check MOT history before buying a used car?
MOT history reveals odometer readings at each test, repeated failures on brakes or suspension, dangerous defects the seller may not disclose, and advisory items that hint at upcoming repair costs. It's one of the most reliable data sources for UK used-car buyers.
What is the difference between an MOT check and a full vehicle history check?
An MOT check shows UK inspection results: mileage, pass/fail, and advisories. A full vehicle history check (via VIN) adds stolen-vehicle databases, safety recalls, accident records, market valuation, and cross-border import history.
How do I check if a used car I'm buying has passed its MOT?
Enter the UK registration number at Carlytics MOT Check to see the full MOT history including the most recent test result, expiry date, and any outstanding recalls. You can also check the official GOV.UK MOT history service. Both are free and instant. If the car is advertised as having a valid MOT, always verify it yourself before paying a deposit.
What does an MOT advisory mean and should I worry?
An MOT advisory is a defect noticed during the inspection that is not serious enough to fail the test but may need attention soon. Common advisories include worn brake pads, slight tyre wear, or minor corrosion. Advisories from multiple consecutive tests on the same component suggest the owner has been ignoring the issue. Carlytics shows the full advisory history so you can spot patterns before buying.
Can I check MOT history of a car I want to import from the UK?
Yes. Carlytics MOT Check works for any UK-registered vehicle. If you are importing a car from the UK to Europe, checking MOT history is essential to verify mileage readings (UK MOT records mileage at every annual test), spot repeated failures, and confirm the car's condition matches the seller's claims. After the MOT check, use the VIN to run a full Carlytics vehicle history report covering 35+ European countries.