Mileage Records Check
Verify odometer history instantly

1.How the mileage checker works

Every time a vehicle passes or fails an MOT test, the tester is legally required to record the exact odometer reading. This data is stored securely by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Our tool retrieves and displays that history in a clear, chronological timeline.

Simply enter a UK registration number to instantly see:

• every recorded mileage figure from the vehicle's MOT history
• the date of each test and the test result
• the calculated miles driven between each test
• any gaps, drops, or suspicious patterns in the data

The service is completely free and pulls data directly from the same source used by the police and Trading Standards.

How to use this checker

Enter the vehicle registration in the search box above and click "Check Mileage". The registration can be entered with or without spaces (e.g., AB12 CDE or AB12CDE).

2.What is mileage clocking?

Clocking is the illegal practice of reducing a vehicle's displayed mileage to make it appear that it has covered fewer miles than it actually has. This artificially inflates the vehicle's resale value, as lower mileage cars command higher prices.

Clocking is a criminal offence under the Fraud Act 2006. Despite this, it remains a widespread issue. It is most common on higher mileage fleet vehicles, ex-lease cars, and vehicles approaching major service milestones where a lower mileage can disguise imminent maintenance costs.

A clocked vehicle is not only a financial risk — you may be paying thousands more than the vehicle is worth — but also a safety risk, as the true wear on components like timing belts, clutches, and suspension may be hidden.

3.How to spot a clocked vehicle

The mileage history checker is the most effective tool for spotting clocking. When reviewing a report, look for these key warning signs:

• Unexplained drops: The mileage should always increase. Any drop from one test to the next is a red flag.
• Inconsistent patterns: If the vehicle's annual mileage suddenly drops from 15,000 miles per year to 2,000, question why.
• Gaps in history: Missing MOT tests for several years could hide mileage accumulation.
• Mismatched MOT and service history: Compare the DVSA record with any stamped service book or digital service records provided by the seller.

Our system automatically highlights any mileage decrease between tests in red, so you can see potential clocking at a glance.

4.Understanding mileage anomalies

Not all mileage discrepancies indicate fraud. Sometimes innocent clerical errors occur when an MOT tester mistypes the reading into the DVSA system. A genuine error might show a single unrealistic spike (e.g., an extra digit added) followed by a return to normal readings.

A genuine clocked vehicle, by contrast, will often show a permanent reset to a lower figure that then continues to increase from that new, false baseline. Our system uses AI pattern recognition to distinguish between likely clerical errors and suspicious resets.

Resources

open_in_new DVSA guidance on correcting MOT mileage errors

5.Annual mileage and averages

The average UK car covers around 7,000 to 8,000 miles per year. A vehicle with significantly higher annual mileage (e.g., 15,000–20,000+) is typically a former fleet or motorway commuter vehicle. Low mileage (under 4,000 per year) might appeal to buyers but can carry its own risks, such as deterioration from infrequent use or short, cold-engine journeys.

By examining the mileage between each MOT, you can build a picture of how the vehicle has been used throughout its life. A sudden change in annual mileage can indicate a change in usage, owner, or job role.

Resources

open_in_new Typical mileage benchmarks by vehicle age and type

6.Mileage advice for buyers

Before you view a used vehicle, check its mileage history online. If the seller's advertised mileage does not match the most recent DVSA record, ask for an explanation. When you see the car in person, use the mileage history as a basis for your inspection:

• compare the current odometer reading with the last MOT record
• check the general condition of the driver's seat, steering wheel, and pedals for wear consistent with the mileage
• look at service invoices and check if the recorded mileages align
• ask the seller directly about any gaps or anomalies you've found

Use the mileage data to negotiate. If the vehicle's annual mileage is above average, you may be able to negotiate a lower price, especially if major service items are due.

7.Other vehicle checks

DVLA and DVSA provide a range of other free online vehicle services. Use the links below to access official records for any UK-registered vehicle.

open_in_new Check MOT history and expiry date

open_in_new TAX Check