CarCensus support
Something not right, or a question we haven't answered? Email [email protected] and include the car you searched for and the app version (Settings, at the bottom).
Where do the numbers come from?
From the Department for Transport's vehicle licensing statistics, compiled from DVLA records and published each quarter under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Settings shows exactly which quarter the app's data is correct to. See About the data for the sources and licence.
What does “1 OF 38” mean?
By default it counts every vehicle of that version registered in the UK: those that are licensed (taxed) plus those with a SORN (declared off the road). You can switch to licensed only in Settings.
How often is the data updated?
DfT publishes new figures every quarter, and we update the app after each release.
Why can't I find my car?
- Try just the make, or a shorter model name (“Golf GTI” rather than the full trim).
- DVLA descriptions are sometimes abbreviated or spelled differently, so try a variation.
- Check the filter above the results: Cars, Motorbikes, Vans or All.
Why is the same model listed more than once?
The DVLA records each model description separately, so trims and automatic versions appear as their own entries. Tap the make and model heading in the results to see every version together.
Why doesn't it say my car is a manual?
DVLA descriptions mark automatics (“AUTO”) but never say “manual”, so CarCensus only labels a car manual where that has been checked and recorded deliberately.
Where has My Garage gone?
My Garage is stored only on your iPhone. Deleting the app deletes it, and restoring a device backup brings it back.
About the data
All vehicle figures in CarCensus come from the Department for Transport's vehicle licensing statistics data files, compiled from DVLA records and published on GOV.UK. CarCensus uses tables VEH0120 (vehicles by make and model, each quarter), VEH0160 (first registrations), VEH0124 (year of first use) and VEH0220 (engine size).
These statistics are published under the Open Government Licence v3.0, which allows the information to be copied, published and adapted, including for commercial use, provided the source is acknowledged. CarCensus acknowledges it in the app (Settings), on its App Store page and here: Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The statistics are counts of vehicles by make and model. They contain no registration numbers or details of individual vehicles or keepers. Manufacturer and model names are used only to identify the vehicles counted, and CarCensus is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVLA, DfT or any vehicle manufacturer.
Is CarCensus official?
No. CarCensus is an independent app by media MAISON Limited and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVLA, DfT or any vehicle manufacturer.