A passed MOT is reassuring, but a vehicle's history can tell a much bigger story. Learn how to spot repeated faults, understand advisories and question unusual mileage before buying a used car.
What can an MOT history show?
Past MOT records can reveal the test dates and results, mileage recorded at the time, and defects or advisories noted by the tester. Looking across several tests is often more useful than checking only the latest pass.
See whether the vehicle met MOT requirements at each recorded test.
Review recorded issues and whether similar problems appear again.
Compare the odometer readings reported at successive tests.
Availability varies by vehicle and location. UK government online records for cars, motorcycles and vans generally cover tests from 2005 in Great Britain and from 2017 in Northern Ireland.
MOT failures, minor defects and advisories explained
Not every recorded issue means a car has failed. The category tells you how the tester assessed it at that test.
Dangerous
MOT FAILA defect presenting a direct and immediate risk to road safety or having an impact on the environment. It requires urgent attention.
Major
MOT FAILA significant defect that may affect safety, the environment or other road users. It causes an MOT failure.
Minor
CAN PASSA defect with no significant effect on safety or the environment. It should still be addressed, but does not itself cause a failure.
Advisory
CAN PASSA condition flagged for attention or monitoring. An advisory is not itself an MOT failure, but it may indicate work ahead.
Five warning signs worth investigating
The same advisory keeps returning
Ask whether the issue was repaired and request invoices where appropriate. A repeated note is a reason to ask questions, not proof of neglect.
Similar failures happen repeatedly
Recurring brake, suspension or corrosion defects may justify a closer inspection and a look at the repair history.
Recorded mileage moves backwards
A lower reading can be a data-entry mistake or an instrument change, but it needs a credible explanation.
There are unexplained gaps between tests
A vehicle may have been off the road or exempt. Check the dates and ask the seller rather than assuming the worst.
A previous problem reappears
A later MOT pass does not necessarily tell you what was repaired or whether the issue stayed fixed.
Corrosion noted near a structural area.
Similar corrosion recorded again.
Significant corrosion in a related area. Ask for repair evidence before buying.
What if the MOT mileage looks wrong?
MOT readings usually rise over time. An unexpected decrease is worth checking against the service history, invoices and dashboard reading, but it does not automatically prove the vehicle has been clocked.
Illustrative readings only. Ask the seller for supporting records. The DVSA has an official process for reporting mistakes in MOT mileage records.
How MOT record errors are reported on GOV.UK ↗Your quick used-car MOT checklist
- Compare the latest and earlier MOT results, not just the expiry date.
- Look for recurring defects, corrosion notes and unresolved advisories.
- Compare recorded mileage with service documents and the dashboard.
- Ask the seller for invoices showing significant repairs were completed.
- Consider an independent inspection if the history raises concerns.
MOT history FAQs
Should I avoid a car that previously failed its MOT?
Not automatically. Many defects can be repaired. Check the reason for failure, whether the repair was completed and whether the problem returned.
Does a passed MOT mean the car has no faults?
No. An MOT is a test against specified standards at a particular point in time, not a comprehensive assessment of mechanical reliability.
Could an MOT mileage discrepancy be a mistake?
Yes. Recording errors and replacement instruments are possible explanations. Ask for documentation and check the official correction process when appropriate.
Does MOT history reveal outstanding finance or insurance write-offs?
No. MOT records are not a substitute for separate finance and insurance write-off history checks.