It’s completely free.
Follow these simple steps to view your vehicle’s testing record and understand what each result means.
Visit the Official GOV.UK MOT History Page
Open your web browser and go to:
https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
This is the official DVSA service, so you know the information is accurate and up to date.
Enter Your Vehicle Registration Number
In the search box labeled “Check the MOT history of a vehicle,” type your registration number exactly (e.g., “AB12XYZ”). You don’t need spaces or hyphens—just letters and numbers.
Review the List of Past Tests
Once you click Search, you’ll see:
- Date of each test
- Expiry date for each MOT
- Recorded mileage at test time
- Overall result (pass or fail)
A missing year in the list usually means the vehicle wasn’t tested during that period. Be wary of any gaps if you’re buying a used car.
View Individual MOT Certificates - (Note you will need your V5 / Logbook)
Click on any test date to open the full PDF certificate. You’ll see:
- Failed items (major issues that caused a fail)
- Advisory notes (minor defects to address soon)
- Emission readings
- Tester’s comments
Advisory notes don’t stop you from driving, but they give you a heads-up on items that could become serious.
Save or Print for Your Records
Downloading or printing each certificate ensures you have a copy of your car’s MOT history. Store them chronologically in a folder or digitally in a secure location—whatever works best for you.
Troubleshooting Tip:
If your vehicle doesn’t appear, it might be new or recently re-registered. Try again after a week or two.
If the mileage recorded looks incorrect, it could be a data lag. Double-check at a later date or ask your garage to verify.
If you get stuck or want us to walk you through the process, just give Car Friend a call. We’re always happy to help our customers navigate these online tools.