Quick Answer
To read MOT history, work through each test from oldest to newest and check three things: the mileage at each test rises consistently, the pass/fail pattern, and any repeated advisories. Mileage that drops or jumps oddly, or the same advisory year after year, are red flags.
Step 1 — Track the mileage
List the recorded mileage at each test in date order. It should climb steadily. A reading that goes down, or a period with an implausibly small or huge jump, can indicate clocking or a swapped odometer — the single most valuable thing MOT history reveals.
Step 2 — Study the advisories
Advisories tell the maintenance story. The same advisory appearing several years running suggests an issue the owner kept ignoring. A sudden burst of advisories can indicate a period of neglect. Corrosion advisories on older cars are especially worth noting.
Step 3 — Look at the failures
Occasional failures are normal, but repeated failures for the same serious item — brakes, suspension, structure — point to an ongoing problem. Check how quickly failures were followed by a pass, which shows whether repairs were done promptly.
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Get the full MOT historyFrequently Asked Questions
What's the biggest red flag in MOT history?
A mileage reading that decreases or jumps inconsistently between tests. It's the clearest sign a car may have been clocked, and it's easy to spot once you list the readings in order.
Does a clean MOT history mean a good car?
It's a strong sign but not a guarantee. MOT history covers roadworthiness at test time, not day-to-day reliability, so combine it with an inspection and test drive.