The free GOV.UK MOT history shows the mileage recorded at every test since 2005, so a drop between tests stands out. Trading Standards investigates clocking as a criminal offence, and suspected clocking is reported through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Checked 23 October 2026 against the DVSA MOT inspection manual
- Mileage record: Every MOT since 2005
- Cost: Free on GOV.UK
- Report clocking: 0808 223 1133
- Investigated by: Trading Standards
Mileage in the MOT history
The free GOV.UK MOT history service requires only the registration number. It shows each test result, the mileage recorded at that test and when the next MOT is due. This gives a dated sequence of odometer readings for the vehicle.
Coverage depends on vehicle type and test date. MOT history covers cars, motorcycles and vans tested since 2005. It covers HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches tested since 2018, and Northern Ireland tests since 2017.
Seeing where each test was done, for tests in England, Scotland and Wales, needs the 11-digit number from the V5C log book. The record therefore links each mileage reading to a test date, and to a location once that V5C number is entered.
Reading the figures
When reading MOT history, compare the mileage recorded at each test in date order. A figure lower than one recorded at an earlier test is a warning sign that merits questioning before buying. Such a drop is not proof of clocking on its own, but it is the pattern the records exist to expose.
The government consumer guide lists mileage discrepancies among the things a private history check can reveal. That places the MOT record alongside other sources rather than above them. Reading the figures means looking at the whole sequence, not a single entry, and noting where the numbers fail to rise as expected. A gap in the record or a sudden jump deserves the same scrutiny as a fall.
As an illustrative example only, a car showing 62,000 miles at one test and 48,000 at the next has a discrepancy of 14,000 miles that the dates cannot explain. The figures themselves are neutral; it is the direction of travel that matters. Recorded mileage that moves backwards, or stalls while dates advance, is the warning sign to weigh carefully.
Physical signs of higher mileage
Devon and Somerset Trading Standards lists physical signs that can indicate a vehicle has covered a higher real mileage than its odometer suggests. Heavy wear on the pedal rubbers is one such sign. Similar wear on the gearshift, can point to a car that has been driven extensively rather than one with a low recorded mileage.
Seat belts and the steering wheel also show the effects of long term use.
A sagging or worn driver's seat is another indicator listed by Trading Standards. Taken together, these physical signs help buyers and inspectors judge whether a vehicle's recorded mileage is plausible, supporting the documentary checks carried out through MOT history records.
Clocking and the law
Trading Standards services investigate and prosecute clocking, where milometers have been turned back, as a criminal offence. The practice misleads buyers about a vehicle's true history and condition, and cases can be brought against traders who misrepresent mileage. Enforcement sits with local authority Trading Standards teams, which act on intelligence and complaints about suspected odometer tampering.
Suspected clocking is reported through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. The helpline passes consumer complaints to the relevant Trading Standards service, which decides whether to investigate.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 were revoked from 6 April 2025 and replaced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The new framework carries forward consumer protection against misleading commercial practices. Traders and consumers alike now operate under the 2024 Act, which sets the legal basis for enforcement action on clocking and related unfair trading.
Frequently asked questions
What does the free GOV.UK MOT history service show?
The free GOV.UK MOT history service needs only the registration number. It shows each test result, the recorded mileage and when the next MOT is due. This allows a buyer to review the mileage recorded at each test over the vehicle's life.
How far back does MOT history go?
MOT history covers cars, motorcycles and vans tested since 2005. HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches are covered since 2018, and Northern Ireland tests since 2017. Older records may not be available on the service.
How can the location of each MOT test be seen?
Seeing where each test was done, for England, Scotland and Wales tests, needs the 11 digit number from the V5C log book. The registration number alone does not reveal test locations on the service.
What mileage pattern in MOT history suggests clocking?
A recorded mileage lower than at an earlier test is a warning sign to question before buying. The government consumer guide lists mileage discrepancies among the things a private history check can reveal.
What physical signs suggest higher real mileage, and how is suspected clocking reported?
Devon and Somerset Trading Standards lists heavy wear on pedal rubbers, gearshift, seat belts and steering wheel, and a sagging or worn driver's seat. Suspected clocking is reported through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Trading Standards services investigate and prosecute clocking as a criminal offence.
Part of the MOT guide series
