Millions of vehicles are missing their MOT, with drivers using them on the roads illegally, after their MOT expiry date, a new study of data has found.
By analysing MOT patterns, and examining the gaps between a vehicle’s arrival for its annual test, and the original expiry date, Kwik Fit has found that around 16% of cars were only booked in for an MOT after it had already run out.
This data indicates that over the course of last year, more than 4.3 million cars needing an MOT were booked in, and tested, too late. The study of data found that of these cars, 50% had their test within 10 days of their original MOT expiry.
However, so many vehicles were much longer overdue, that the average gap between MOT expiry and the actual test was 33.7 days.
Dangers of passing MOT expiry
In addition to those which were booked after their due date, around 1.7 million cars were tested after their MOT had expired, despite being booked in before the MOT ran out. In total therefore, around six million cars underwent their test after the MOT expiry date.
As DVSA data shows that 27% of cars fail their MOT when presented, the figures suggest that as well as being illegal, due to usage after their MOT expiry, over 1.5 million of these cars without a valid test would not be roadworthy.
For drivers, the consequences of booking the annual test too late are significant, with the risk of a £1,000 fine for driving without an MOT. However, the risk of accidents, and potential injury to other road users, is also higher, especially if the vehicle is in an unsafe condition.
The data suggests that many drivers may not be aware of their MOT expiry date. With busy lifestyles, and now the lack of a physical certificate in many cases, there is little to remind drivers of the need for an MOT.
Therefore, it appears reminder services are more important than ever. With a simple email, many drivers could be spared from using their vehicle after the MOT expiry date, especially those who do so unintentionally.
