Wrong Mileage on MOT: Causes, Risks, and How to Fix It
In the UK, an MOT test records your car’s mileage as part of its annual roadworthiness check. This information is stored on the DVSA database and is publicly visible. But what happens if the mileage recorded is wrong? Incorrect MOT mileage entries are more common than many people think, and they can cause major problems for car owners, especially when selling or insuring a vehicle. This guide explains why MOT mileage mistakes happen, how they can affect you, and the steps to correct them.
How Mileage Is Recorded During an MOT
When your car undergoes its MOT, the tester reads the odometer and enters the mileage into the MOT testing system. This data is stored digitally by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and can be viewed online by anyone using the MOT history check tool.
Mileage history helps spot potential clocking or tampering issues and is an important part of the MOT process.
Why Wrong Mileage Happens
Wrong mileage on an MOT can be caused by:
1. Human error
An MOT tester might accidentally type the wrong number, especially if your mileage is close to last year’s reading but with a small digit difference.
2. Odometer faults
If your odometer is faulty, the reading given to the tester will already be wrong.
3. Unit confusion
Imported vehicles with kilometre-based odometers are sometimes recorded in miles by mistake.
4. Past errors
If a past MOT had the wrong mileage entered, future entries may look inconsistent or show a mileage drop.
Why Wrong Mileage Matters
An incorrect mileage entry can:
- Reduce your car’s value when selling, as buyers might think the odometer has been tampered with
- Affect your ability to claim on insurance if mileage records look suspicious
- Create legal problems if the mileage history is flagged as inconsistent
Even a simple typing error could be mistaken for deliberate clocking.
How to Check Your MOT Mileage
You can check your recorded mileage by visiting the official DVSA MOT history website and entering your vehicle registration number. It will show your results for each year along with the recorded mileage.
How to Correct Wrong MOT Mileage
If you spot an error:
- Contact the MOT garage that did the test. If it is a recent MOT, they may be able to fix it quickly via DVSA.
- Provide proof such as service records, past MOT certificates, or odometer photos to show the correct mileage.
- Contact DVSA directly if the garage cannot help or is closed. DVSA can investigate and update records if you have strong evidence.
Corrections are not automatic — you must give clear and reliable proof.
Preventing MOT Mileage Errors
To avoid issues:
- Make sure your odometer works before the MOT
- Keep service records complete and organised
- Double-check the mileage recorded before leaving the test centre
Final Thoughts
Wrong mileage on an MOT is often the result of simple mistakes but can lead to serious doubts about your vehicle’s history. By acting quickly to correct errors and keeping proper records, you can protect your car’s value and avoid unnecessary complications.
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