What is an MOT (and why it matters for UK imports to Ireland)
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) is the UK’s annual roadworthiness test covering safety, emissions and lighting. Its pass/fail result, mileage reading and advisories create a history that can reveal recurring faults or potential clocking—crucial when buying a UK import.
MotorCheck provides a full MOT history check for Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI). If you’re checking an Irish vehicle that was imported from the UK, MotorCheck will identify its previous registration numbers and include any hidden UK history you might otherwise miss—at no extra cost.
Used imports to Ireland up 23% — check the UK MOT history before you buy
The number of used (imported) cars licensed in Ireland rose by 23% from 2023 to 2024 (61,838 vs 50,381). Some of these vehicles turn out to be clocked, previously stolen, or insurance write-offs—and unscrupulous sellers rely on buyers not checking a car’s UK history first.
MotorCheck uses official UK MOT records and combines them with additional risk checks, so you can buy with confidence.
What’s in a MotorCheck MOT history report
MotorCheck combines official UK MOT records with insurance, finance and law-enforcement data. Spot costly red flags before you travel, pay a deposit or sign.
-
UK MOT history (GB & NI): test dates, results, advisories (non-fail items to monitor e.g. tyre near limit, minor leak).
-
Mileage verification: flags potential odometer “clocking.”
-
Write-off status: identifies total-loss/insurance categories where applicable.
-
Stolen markers: alerts if a vehicle is recorded as stolen.
-
Outstanding finance: checks for finance that could affect ownership.
-
Previous registrations & keeper changes: helps confirm identity and usage pattern.
Check before you purchase
If you’re considering importing a car yourself, run a MotorCheck report before you view or purchase. Enter the car’s current registration number below to start a full, instant history check.
MotorCheck reports automatically uncover hidden UK history—giving you complete peace of mind.
Don’t regret it—MotorCheck it!
Our affordable, easy-to-use reports save Irish car buyers thousands of euro every week.
What we check, at a glance:
Check for evidence of Clocking
Check for previous Write-off history
Check for use as a Taxi or Hackney
Check the full history from the UK & Northern Ireland
MOT check FAQs: buying a UK car in Ireland
What is an MOT?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) is the UK’s annual roadworthiness test covering safety, emissions, and lighting; each test records a pass/fail result, mileage, and advisories.
Is an MOT the same as Ireland’s NCT?
An MOT is not the same as Ireland’s NCT; they are separate inspection systems. A UK import still requires an NCT after it is registered in Ireland.
Why check MOT history before buying a UK import?
Checking MOT history before buying a UK import helps reveal recurring faults, mileage anomalies (possible clocking), and repeated advisories, reducing the risk of costly repairs.
Do I need the registration number—and what about plate changes?
You do need the current registration number because official MOT records are retrieved by reg; MotorCheck traces previous registrations (e.g., private plate swaps) so the MOT history follows the vehicle.
Why might there be no MOT history for a UK car?
There may be no MOT history if the car is under three years old, off the road (SORN), newly imported with no UK test, or if records are incomplete.
