MOTORING

Before a used-car viewing in London, read the MOT history

A public MOT record can make a used-car conversation more specific. It is one piece of the checks—not proof of ownership or a guarantee of the vehicle’s present condition.

An MOT and vehicle garage in Cleckheaton
An MOT and vehicle garage in Cleckheaton. Archive context, not a photograph of the current announcement or evidence of present availability. habiloid · CC BY-SA 2.0; proportionally resized and converted to WebP. · Photo source · Licence
Published Updated 1 min readEditor: Felix Aaron
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Look for a pattern

GOV.UK’s service provides recorded tests, results and related information.

Compare dates, mileage and advisories over time rather than reading only the latest pass. A recurring issue is a question to put to the seller.

Article type
Practical guide
Sources checked
21 October 2026; not live booking inventory
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Match the record to the car

Check that the details correspond to the vehicle being offered.

A historical test describes a particular moment; it does not replace an inspection, a service record or the other checks needed before buying.

Do not let a pass do every job

An MOT pass is not a valuation, a warranty or confirmation that a seller has the right to sell.

This guide has not checked an individual car or recommended a purchase. Use an appropriately qualified inspection where needed.