A large number of drivers had their MOT carried out late during 2023, new research has shown.
A new survey by breakdown provider Green Flag found that 23% of respondents admitted they had their MOT late, equating to around 7.6 million vehicles on UK roads. A total of 8% said their MOT was carried out over a month late.
The research has found that in the first six months of 2024, around 3.6 million vehicles were late for their MOT, with almost one in 10 over a month overdue. The research highlights how unimportant the MOT can seem to some drivers, making it an easily-forgettable event.
Further research showed that 33% of drivers wrongly believe it is legal to drive without a valid MOT, as long as they have a test booked. This only applies if the car is being driven to a garage for the test, or repairs, something these drivers were unaware of.
There is no grace period for expired MOTs, a car becomes illegal to drive at midnight on the MOT expiry date. Those caught without a valid certificate can face hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, penalty points, and potentially lose their driving license if the vehicle is found to be dangerous.
MOT consequences
Many drivers appear to be unaware of the consequences of driving without a valid MOT certificate. The research revealed that 16% of UK drivers do not know that they could invalidate their insurance and 23% are unaware that they could face fines of the up to £1,000.
Moreover, 33% are not aware that driving a vehicle that has failed its annual test because of a ‘dangerous’ problem can result in a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and three penalty points.
Worryingly, 23% of those who drove with an expired MOT said they drove over 100 miles before obtaining a new valid certificate. On average, drivers said they had travelled 67 miles before the expired MOT was renewed. Of those who admit to not getting their test done on time, 7% said they did not think they would get caught doing so, as their vehicle was in good condition.
Of those responding to the Green Flag survey, 31% were not aware that they could get the annual test completed up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and still keep the same renewal date as they had in the current year.
Reasons aplenty
While the reasons for holding off getting an MOT differ, many drivers appear to be leaving it too late to book, with 20% of those who were late with their test saying it was because their garage could not fit them in.
This is likely to be especially true from September onwards, with the extension through the COVID-19 pandemic creating an ‘MOT season’. In addition, thousands of new cars are registered in September, following the UK plate change.
The reasons given by respondents included:
| Reason | Percentage |
| The garage could not fit me in | 20% |
| I forgot it was due | 18% |
| I was too busy to arrange it | 11% |
| I knew that my car needed work in order to pass, and I couldn’t afford to get it done | 10% |
| I couldn’t afford to pay for the test | 9% |
| I didn’t think we’d get caught because the vehicle was in a good condition | 7% |
The research highlights once again that driver education on motoring matters is increasingly important. It is often falling to the aftermarket to deliver this education, through reminders, or highlighting the importance of maintenance and safety checks.
With 7% of drivers stating that they did not think about being caught because their car was in ‘good condition’, it is vital to inform them of all the parts and components checked through the annual test, many of which are not visible without a thorough inspection.
