Check your car’s MOT advisories
View current and previous MOT advisories, failures, test results and recorded mileage by registration
Use the vehicle registration checker at the top of this page to view the available MOT history. See what an MOT tester recorded, when the vehicle passed or failed and which advisory notes appeared during previous tests.
The free check shows the recorded MOT information. The Complete Check adds MyCarMate analysis, wider vehicle history and practical buying insight to help you understand the risks behind the records.
Why check MOT advisories
An MOT pass confirms that a vehicle met the required test standard on the day. Advisory notes can reveal wear, deterioration and items that a tester believed may need attention.
- See the advisory notes recorded on previous MOT tests
- Review the reasons a vehicle failed an MOT
- Compare the mileage recorded during each available test
- Check whether the current MOT is valid or expired
- Identify concerns to discuss with a seller or garage
- Review the history before travelling to view a used vehicle
- See whether the records support the seller’s description
- Choose a Complete Check when you need wider buying protection
Choose the level of vehicle insight you need
The free checker answers the immediate MOT question. The Complete Check brings the MOT record together with wider vehicle data and MyCarMate analysis.
View the available MOT history
Use the free result when you need the recorded MOT information for a UK car or van.
- Current MOT status
- MOT expiry date
- Previous test dates
- Pass and fail results
- Failure defects
- Advisory notes
- Recorded MOT mileage
Use MyCarMate to understand the wider risk
Choose the Complete Check when you are considering buying a vehicle or need more than a list of historic MOT records.
- MyCarMate AI vehicle summary
- Vehicle risk and reliability insight
- Likely MOT failure and maintenance concerns
- Wear and ownership cost guidance
- Known make and model weaknesses
- Outstanding finance and stolen checks
- Insurance write off and salvage history
- Mileage, ownership and identity checks
- Vehicle valuation and buying insight
The free MOT checker does not diagnose the present mechanical condition of the vehicle. It shows records created during previous MOT tests. A qualified inspection is required to confirm the current condition.
What the MOT advisory checker can show
The information returned depends on the available MOT records for the registration entered.
Current MOT status
Check whether the vehicle currently has a valid MOT and see the recorded expiry date.
Previous advisories
Read advisory notes recorded by MOT testers during previous tests.
MOT failures
See when the vehicle failed and review the defects recorded during the failed test.
Pass history
Review the dates when the vehicle passed and compare these with earlier failures or advisories.
Mileage records
Compare the mileage entered at each available MOT test and look for unexpected changes.
Test timeline
Follow the available MOT records in date order to understand how the history developed.
How the MOT advisory checker works
Start with the vehicle registration then choose whether the free history provides enough information for your decision.
- Enter the registration Use the vehicle checker at the top of this page
- View the MOT records Check the available MOT status, results, advisories, failures and mileage
- Review the concerns Compare the history with the seller’s description and available repair evidence
- Upgrade when needed Choose the Complete Check for MyCarMate analysis and wider vehicle history
What different MOT history patterns may indicate
Historic records can help you identify questions worth asking. They cannot confirm whether a repair was completed correctly or whether an older problem is still present.
Current advisory
The concern appears on the latest available MOT record and may be worth discussing with a qualified garage.
Repeated concern
A similar issue appears during more than one test. This may justify closer inspection before purchase.
Advisory followed by failure
A related concern later appears as a failure. The records show that the issue became more serious at a later test.
Failure followed by a retest pass
A rapid retest and pass may indicate that work was completed after the failed test.
No longer recorded
An earlier advisory does not appear on a later MOT. The history does not confirm how the issue was resolved.
Older issue to monitor
An older advisory may still be relevant because of the vehicle’s age, mileage or the type of component involved.
Turn the MOT history into a clearer buying decision
The free check gives you the available MOT records. MyCarMate considers the vehicle’s wider information and explains the risks, costs and buying questions in plain English.
- Summarise the most important vehicle risks
- Highlight likely MOT and maintenance concerns
- Consider vehicle age, mileage and model weaknesses
- Provide reliability and ownership cost insight
- Connect MOT information with the wider vehicle history
- Support a decision to buy, negotiate or walk away
Use the MOT record before you commit
The same history can answer different questions for a buyer, owner or seller.
Used car buyers
Check whether the seller’s description aligns with the MOT record and identify concerns that require an inspection or further evidence.
Current vehicle owners
Review previous advisories before the next MOT and use the records to discuss maintenance with a garage.
Vehicle sellers
See which MOT records a buyer may find and prepare repair invoices or supporting information before advertising the vehicle.
Historic MOT records are not a current diagnosis
An MOT advisory describes a concern observed during a specific test. The record does not prove that the concern remains present, that a repair was completed or that the vehicle is currently safe. Ask a qualified garage or vehicle inspector to confirm the present mechanical condition.
Areas that may appear in an MOT advisory
The wording varies between tests. Advisories commonly relate to parts affected by wear, age, corrosion or vehicle use.
Brakes
Brake pads, discs, pipes, imbalance, efficiency and component wear.
Tyres and wheels
Tread depth, tyre damage, uneven wear, wheel condition and pressure monitoring.
Suspension
Springs, bushes, joints, shock absorbers and other suspension components.
Steering
Steering joints, racks, bearings, movement and component condition.
Corrosion
Body, chassis, mounting points, brake pipes and structural areas.
Exhaust and emissions
Exhaust condition, mountings, leaks, smoke and emissions related concerns.
Lights and visibility
Lamps, lenses, windscreen condition, wipers, mirrors and driver visibility.
Leaks and general condition
Oil leaks, fluid leaks, damaged covers and other visible deterioration.
MOT advisory checker FAQs
Find answers about MOT advisories, failures, mileage history, repairs and the difference between the free check and MyCarMate Complete Check.
Checking MOT advisories
Use the registration checker at the top of the page to review the available MOT test history for a UK vehicle.
How can I check a car’s MOT advisories?
Enter the vehicle registration into the Rapid Car Check registration checker at the top of the page. The free result can show available MOT tests, pass or fail results, advisory notes, defects and recorded mileage.
Is the MOT advisory checker free?
Yes. You can use the free vehicle check to review available MOT history information.
The Complete Check is a paid report that adds wider vehicle history, risk checks and MyCarMate analysis.
What information do I need?
You need the UK vehicle registration number shown on the number plate.
Can I see previous MOT failures?
Available MOT history can include failed tests and the defects recorded by the MOT tester.
Can I see mileage recorded during previous MOT tests?
Available MOT records can include the mileage entered during each test. Compare the figures in date order and investigate any unexpected change or reduction.
Understanding the records
Use the MOT history as evidence of what was recorded during previous tests.
What is an MOT advisory?
An MOT advisory records a concern observed by the tester that did not cause the vehicle to fail the test at that time.
Does an MOT advisory need to be repaired immediately?
The urgency depends on the type and severity of the concern. Ask a qualified garage to inspect the vehicle and advise when the work should be completed.
Does a missing advisory mean the problem was repaired?
No. An advisory that does not appear on a later MOT may have been repaired, may no longer have been visible or may not have been recorded again. The MOT history does not confirm what work was completed.
What does a failure followed by a quick pass mean?
A failed test followed by a rapid retest and pass may indicate that the recorded defects were corrected. Ask for repair invoices when the work matters to your buying decision.
Can an MOT history tell me whether a car is currently safe?
No. An MOT history shows what was observed during previous tests. A current inspection is required to confirm the vehicle’s present condition.
Buying a used vehicle
Review MOT information alongside the wider history and an inspection where appropriate.
Should I buy a car with MOT advisories?
An advisory does not automatically make a vehicle unsuitable. Consider the type of concern, its age, whether it appeared again, the repair evidence and the vehicle’s current condition.
What should I ask the seller about?
Ask whether the advisory was repaired, when the work was completed, which garage carried it out and whether invoices or inspection records are available.
Should I arrange an inspection before buying?
A professional inspection is useful when the MOT history shows repeated concerns, corrosion, structural issues, significant failures or unclear repair evidence.
Does a clean MOT history prove that the vehicle has no hidden problems?
No. An MOT covers the testable items and condition observed during the test. It does not replace a full mechanical inspection or a wider vehicle history check.
Complete Check and MyCarMate
Choose the Complete Check when the MOT history is only one part of the buying decision.
Does the free MOT check include MyCarMate AI?
No. The free MOT history journey shows the available vehicle and MOT records without the full MyCarMate analysis.
What does MyCarMate add?
MyCarMate analyses the available vehicle information and presents risks, likely ownership concerns, reliability insight, MOT considerations and practical buying guidance in plain English.
What other checks are included in a Complete Check?
The Complete Check can include finance, stolen, write off, salvage, mileage, ownership, identity, valuation, MOT, tax and vehicle specification information.
Review the current coverage on the Rapid Car Check pricing page.
Can I view a sample Complete Check?
Yes. Open the sample Complete Check to review the report structure and MyCarMate section.
Check the vehicle’s MOT advisories, failures and mileage history
Go to the registration checker at the top of the page. Start with the free MOT record then choose the Complete Check when you need MyCarMate analysis and the wider vehicle history.