Free Mileage History Check

Every time a UK vehicle has an MOT test, the tester records the odometer reading on the official DVSA database. Our free mileage history check queries that database and returns every recorded reading in chronological order — so you can see exactly how far a car has actually been driven over its lifetime.

The records span decades for older vehicles and are the most reliable independent source of mileage data available in the UK. Unlike the odometer itself (which can be tampered with), DVSA records are written by certified testers at the time of the test — making them very difficult to falsify consistently.

How to Spot a Clocked Car

Clocking — the fraudulent winding back of an odometer to show a lower mileage — is one of the most common forms of used car fraud in the UK. Thousands of clocked cars are sold every year, and buyers who don't check often end up paying inflated prices for vehicles in much worse mechanical condition than advertised.

Here's what to look for when reviewing MOT mileage records:

• A drop in mileage between tests — if the mileage at a recent test is lower than a previous test, the car has almost certainly been clocked. This is the clearest warning sign.
• A suspiciously low current mileage vs. age — a 10-year-old car showing only 20,000 miles should raise questions. Average UK annual mileage is around 7,400 miles (2024 DVSA figures).
• Implausibly large annual jumps — very high mileage in one year followed by very low in the next may indicate selective testing or use of a different vehicle identity.
• Gaps in testing history — a vehicle that went untested for several years could have had its odometer wound back during that period with no MOT record to catch it.
• Stated mileage differs from last MOT reading — always compare the seller's stated mileage to the most recent DVSA recorded mileage. Even a small discrepancy is worth questioning.

Is Mileage Fraud Illegal?

Yes. In England and Wales, fraudulently misrepresenting a vehicle's mileage when selling it is a criminal offence under the Fraud Act 2006 and can also constitute a breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Convicted sellers can face unlimited fines, a criminal record, and — for professional dealers — disqualification and prosecution by Trading Standards.

As a buyer, if you discover after purchase that the mileage was misrepresented, you may be entitled to a full refund or damages — but proving it is much easier when you have DVSA records to hand. That's why running a free mileage check before you buy is so important.

What Is the Average UK Annual Mileage?

According to DVSA statistics, the average UK car covers approximately 7,400 miles per year. However, this varies significantly by vehicle type and use:

• City cars and small hatchbacks: 5,000–8,000 miles/year
• Family saloons and estates: 8,000–12,000 miles/year
• Diesel SUVs and motorway commuters: 12,000–20,000+ miles/year
• Commercial vehicles and taxis: 20,000–50,000+ miles/year

A car showing consistent, typical annual mileage for its type is usually a healthy sign. Erratic patterns — either unusually high or suspiciously low — always warrant investigation.

What If There's No MOT History?

Some vehicles return no mileage history. This usually means one of the following:

• The vehicle is under 3 years old — cars in England, Scotland and Wales do not require an MOT until they are 3 years old, so there are simply no test records yet.
• Northern Ireland vehicles — MOT records for NI are held separately and may not appear in the DVSA database.
• The vehicle has been registered on a SORN and never driven on a public road, so testing was not required.
• Pre-1960 classic vehicles — vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1960 are exempt from MOT testing.

Using a Mileage Check When Buying a Used Car

A mileage check should be the first thing you do when considering a used car purchase — before you make the journey to view it. It takes seconds and is completely free. Run our check, review the odometer readings, and compare them to:

• The mileage displayed on the dashboard when you view the car
• The mileage stated in the advert
• The service book entries (if available)

If everything adds up consistently — and the annual mileage looks typical for the vehicle's age and type — you can proceed with more confidence. If anything doesn't match, walk away or push the seller for a detailed explanation before parting with any money.

For the most complete picture, combine a mileage check with a full MOT history check (which also includes advisories and failure reasons), a vehicle recall check, and a free plate check to confirm the DVLA record matches what you're being told.