How to read a car's MOT history
Every MOT test on a car in Great Britain is recorded, with the result, the mileage and any faults found. Read together, those records tell you a lot about a car before you see it.
What each test record shows
- The date of the test and whether the car passed or failed.
- The mileage recorded at the test.
- Any defects found, labelled dangerous, major or minor.
- Advisories: things the tester noticed that weren't bad enough to fail but may need attention.
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What the defect categories mean
Since May 2018, MOT faults are sorted into categories. A dangerous or major defect means the car fails. A minor defect is recorded but the car can still pass. Advisories are notes about parts that are wearing or need watching.
A failure followed by a pass the same day or soon after usually means the faults were put right for the retest. It's still worth asking what was done.
Look for patterns, not single results
- The same advisory year after year, such as brake discs or corrosion, shows a part that keeps coming up. Ask whether it's been dealt with since.
- Several failures in recent years are worth asking about, especially for the same part.
- Dangerous defects in recent years are worth asking about in detail, even if they were fixed.
- Lots of advisories at the most recent test may mean work is due soon.
Check the mileage readings
The mileage should go up at every test. A reading that's lower than an earlier one should be explained by the seller, for example a replaced instrument cluster or a recording error, and backed up by the service history.
You can also work out roughly how far the car goes each year. Very low or very high mileage isn't good or bad on its own, but it should fit what the seller tells you about how the car was used.
Gaps between tests
Cars in Great Britain need their first MOT three years after first registration, then one every year. A gap of more than a year between tests can mean the car was off the road or kept somewhere else. Ask the seller why.
What MOT history doesn't show
- Whether the car has been written off, stolen or has finance owing.
- Damage or repairs between MOTs that never came up at a test.
- The service history, or how the car was driven.
- The car's condition today. An inspection by a mechanic is the only way to know that.
MOT defects mentioned here
More guides
General information for buying or selling a used car in Great Britain, not advice about a particular car. Rules can change: check GOV.UK for the latest on tax, MOTs and selling a vehicle, and have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.