How MOT mileage history works
When a vehicle has an MOT, the tester records the mileage shown on the odometer. Over several years, those readings create a timeline of how the car has been used.
A normal timeline usually rises steadily. Not every odd reading means fraud, but it is a prompt to ask better questions before buying.
Signs to investigate
- Mileage goes down: this can be a data entry error, but it can also suggest clocking.
- Long flat periods: the car may have been off the road or barely used.
- Large jumps: heavy use between tests may affect wear and value.
- Missing early records: common on some older or imported vehicles, but worth checking.
Use mileage with the full MOT history
Mileage is most useful when read alongside defects and advisories. A high-mileage car with clean MOT results may be better maintained than a lower-mileage car with repeated failures.
Check MOT mileage history
Enter a UK registration to see mileage readings, previous MOT results, advisories and failures.
Check MOT history