Free Mileage Check: MOT Mileage History by Reg

What our free mileage check does

Every MOT test records the vehicle's mileage, and that record cannot be changed afterwards. Our free mileage check lists every recorded reading, and the mileage anomaly check in the full report goes through them:

• It compares every reading in date order and flags any that are lower than an earlier one.
• It shows the average mileage per year.
• It points out long gaps between readings, when the mileage was not recorded.

The full car history report shows the MOT mileage record alongside keeper changes, plate changes and write-off records, so you can see whether a mileage jump came with a change of owner or a repair after damage.

What a mileage anomaly means

A reading lower than an earlier one is flagged for a closer look, not proof of fraud. It can be:

• a typing error by the MOT tester;
• a replaced instrument cluster that started from a different reading;
• a clocked car, where the mileage has been wound back to raise the price.

If an anomaly is flagged, ask the seller for service records and invoices that show the mileage. A genuine dashboard replacement should come with paperwork. Read how to spot a clocked car and our mileage anomaly guide.

Why mileage matters

Mileage is one of the biggest factors in a used car's price and in how soon parts such as the clutch, suspension and timing belt will need replacing. A car that has done far more miles than the dashboard shows can cost you thousands in repairs and resale value.

Check the rest of the history too

Mileage and MOT history are free. Before you buy, also check for outstanding finance, write-offs and a stolen marker in the full report.

Mileage check FAQs

Is the mileage check free?
The MOT mileage history is part of every free check. The mileage anomaly check, which flags a reading lower than an earlier one, is in the full report.

Is clocking illegal?
Adjusting an odometer can be legitimate, for example after a replacement, but selling a car without disclosing that its mileage is wrong is illegal.

How far back do the readings go?
MOT readings are recorded from 2005 onwards; a car's first MOT is usually at three years old.

Is the mileage recorded at every MOT?
Yes. The tester records the odometer reading at every test, and it becomes part of the vehicle's permanent MOT history.

Can I check the mileage of any vehicle?
Yes, any vehicle registered in Great Britain that has had an MOT. Enter the registration in the search box above.

What should I do if a mileage anomaly is flagged?
Ask the seller why, and for service records, invoices or old MOT certificates that show the mileage over time. If the explanation does not add up, do not buy the car.

How reliable are MOT mileage readings?
They come from the official DVSA record, so they cannot be edited later. Occasional typing errors do happen, which is why a single lower reading is flagged for a closer look rather than treated as proof of clocking.

What is a normal annual mileage?
Many cars do somewhere around 7,000 to 10,000 miles a year, but it varies a lot with how the car is used. The average per year in the free check helps you compare.