Key points
- MOT mileage history starts from a car's first MOT, at three years old
- Genuine mileage should only ever rise between tests
- A drop in recorded mileage is a red flag for clocking or an unrecorded cluster change
- Gaps can be innocent — missed tests, SORN periods, or a car too young for an MOT
- MOT mileage history is free to check on GOV.UK by registration
MOT Mileage History Explained: Reading the Records Before You Buy
MOT mileage history is the list of mileage readings recorded each time a car is tested for its MOT. It builds a timeline of how far the vehicle has travelled between tests. Reading this record, and comparing it with the current odometer, is one of the clearest ways to spot mileage that does not add up.
What is MOT mileage history?
MOT mileage history is the set of mileage readings the DVSA records at each MOT test. Cars need their first MOT at three years old, so the history begins from then and adds a new reading each year the car is tested. Together the readings show how the mileage has climbed over time.
How do you read an MOT mileage record?
Read the record as a timeline and check that it behaves the way real mileage should.
List the mileage at each test in date order.
Check the numbers only ever rise.
Note how many miles were covered between each test.
Flag any drop, or a jump that is far larger than normal use.
Compare the latest test reading with the current odometer.
What does a mileage drop in MOT history mean?
A drop is a red flag. Mileage cannot fall on its own, so a lower reading points to clocking or a replaced instrument cluster. A genuine cluster change can be proven with an invoice. Without that evidence, treat a drop as a reason to pause the sale and ask questions.
Why is there a gap in the mileage history?
Gaps are common and not always suspicious. A car under three years old has no MOT record yet. A missed or late test leaves a gap, and a car declared off the road on a SORN may skip a year. Note the gap and ask the seller to account for the missing period.
What can MOT mileage history tell you?
It can show | It cannot show |
|---|---|
Mileage at each test date | Mileage between tests |
The overall mileage trend | Private mileage before the first MOT |
Obvious drops or gaps | A guarantee that no clocking occurred |
Miles covered year to year | The physical condition of the car |
How do you check MOT mileage by registration?
The MOT history is available on GOV.UK by registration, and it is free. A REGUP mileage check surfaces the available mileage records alongside the other checks a buyer needs, so you can review the timeline and continue to a fuller report without entering the plate again.
Frequently asked questions
Is MOT mileage history free to check?
Yes. The MOT history, including mileage at each test, is free on GOV.UK by registration. REGUP brings it together with other checks for a fuller picture.
Does MOT history show every mileage reading?
It shows the reading at each MOT test from the third year. It does not record mileage between tests or before the first MOT.
Can MOT mileage be wrong?
Occasionally. A tester can mistype a reading, which creates a false looking jump or drop. Compare with the service history before drawing conclusions.
How do I check mileage on a car under three years old?
There is no MOT record yet, so use the service history, dealer paperwork and any invoices, and ask the seller to account for the mileage.