If you're still scribbling mileage in a paper logbook—or worse, trying to remember it at the end of the month—you're leaving money on the table and creating unnecessary stress at tax time.
Modern mileage tracking apps run quietly in the background, automatically detecting when you're driving and logging every business mile. No more forgetting to note down that quick trip to the supplier or the journey to a client site across town.
Why Accurate Mileage Tracking Matters
In the UK, you can claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles and 25p per mile thereafter. For a tradesperson driving 15,000 business miles a year, that's potentially over £5,000 in tax-deductible expenses. But HMRC won't accept "about 300 miles a week" as evidence—you need proper records.
"I used to dread the end of the tax year, trying to piece together my mileage from memory and scraps of paper. Now it's all automated, and I actually claim more because I don't miss any trips."
The Top 3 Apps We Tested
We put three popular mileage tracking apps through their paces over two months. Here's what we found:
1. MileIQ
The most well-known option, and for good reason. MileIQ runs in the background and automatically detects drives. At the end of each day (or whenever you have a moment), you simply swipe right for business or left for personal trips.
- Pros: Extremely accurate detection, simple interface, excellent reports
- Cons: Can drain battery on older phones, premium features require subscription
- Best for: Those who want a "set and forget" solution
2. Driversnote
A strong alternative with a generous free tier. Driversnote offers automatic tracking and the ability to add trips manually if the GPS misses one.
- Pros: Good free version, integrates with accounting software, team features available
- Cons: Slightly less polished interface than MileIQ
- Best for: Small businesses with multiple drivers
3. Triplog
Triplog offers both automatic and manual tracking, plus the option to connect an OBD-II device to your vehicle for even more accurate data.
- Pros: Most feature-rich, OBD integration, fuel tracking
- Cons: More complex setup, can be overwhelming for simple needs
- Best for: Power users who want detailed vehicle data
Tips for Getting Started
Whichever app you choose, follow these tips for the best experience:
- Enable location services: The apps need GPS access to track automatically
- Classify trips regularly: Don't let them pile up—spend 30 seconds each evening categorising
- Set your home and work locations: This helps the app distinguish business from personal trips
- Export reports monthly: Keep digital backups in case you ever need them
Conclusion
The days of paper mileage logs are over. With a few taps to set up an app, you'll never miss a deductible mile again. Start tracking today, and come tax season, you'll thank yourself for the accurate records and the money saved.
