UK MOT History Explained for Kenyan Importers
What MOT tests are, what advisories and failures mean, and how to use MOT history when buying a UK car.
Technical Team15 February 20266 min read
The UK MOT test is an annual vehicle safety and emissions inspection required for all vehicles over 3 years old.
What We Check
- **Pass/Fail history**: How many MOTs the vehicle has passed or failed
- **Advisory items**: Issues noted but not failing (e.g., "brake disc worn but above limit")
- **Failure items**: Safety defects that must be fixed
- **Mileage timeline**: Every MOT records the odometer — perfect for detecting rollback
What Matters for Kenyan Importers
- Multiple recent failures suggest ongoing problems
- Advisories on suspension, brakes, or corrosion may indicate expensive future repairs
- A clean MOT history with consistent mileage is the best indicator of a well-maintained vehicle