How to read MOT history and mileage

Read the whole timeline

The GOV.UK MOT history shows every test, the mileage at each one and when the next MOT is due. Look back over several years, not just the latest pass. Northern Ireland records hold less detail.

It's a record of test days, not a service history. It won't show what happened between tests, and it doesn't tell you what condition the vehicle is in today.

Failures and repeat advisories

A fail followed by a pass usually means something was fixed. Ask to see the invoice.

Watch for the same advisory coming up year after year, like tyres, corrosion, suspension or brakes. A current MOT doesn't mean an advisory has been dealt with. Different testers also word the same problem differently, so read them properly.

Mileage

Read the mileage from oldest to newest and compare it with the advert and the service receipts. A drop, a long gap or a big jump needs explaining. It isn't automatically fraud.

Check whether each reading is in miles or kilometres. Replacement clocks, typing errors and imported vehicles can all throw the numbers off. Ask for proof before you jump to conclusions.

Two tests a few weeks apart is usually a fail and retest, not two years of use. Average yearly mileage only means something when the dates and units line up.

• Latest reading matches the advert and the clock.
• Units checked (miles or km).
• Drops, gaps or clock changes explained.
• Readings match the service receipts.

Next steps

Use what you've found to make a list of questions for the viewing. If the MOT has expired, it isn't road-ready. Only drive it to a pre-booked MOT, or trailer it.

MOT history won't show finance, theft or write-offs. A full report covers those, and a mechanic covers condition. You need both.