7.6 million motorists risk fines for driving without a valid MOT

• Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of all MOTs were carried out late last year, with 7.6 million owners risking fines
• A third of drivers (33 per cent) wrongly believe it is legal to drive without a valid MOT, as long as they have a test booked
• A quarter (23 per cent) of those who drove their car with an expired MOT did so for over 100 miles

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of MOTs were carried out late last year according to analysis by breakdown provider, Green Flag¹. Figures show that 7.6 million vehicles were late for their MOT last year. Shockingly, almost one in 10 (eight per cent) MOT tests were over a month overdue. In the first six months of 2024, 3.6 million vehicles were late for their MOT, with the same proportion over a month overdue.

Further research² shows that a third of drivers (33 per cent) wrongly believe it is legal to drive without a valid MOT, as long as they have a test booked. However, driving without a valid MOT is only permitted if you are driving to a pre-arranged MOT test, or a garage for repairs after a failed MOT.

There is no grace period for expired MOTs, a car becomes illegal to drive at midnight on the MOT expiry date.³ Those caught without a valid MOT can face hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, penalty points, and potentially lose their driving license if the vehicle is found to be dangerous.  

Many drivers appear to be unaware of the consequences of driving without a valid MOT certificate. One in six (16 per cent) UK drivers don’t know that they could invalidate their insurance and almost a quarter (23 per cent) are unaware that they could face fines of the up to £1,000. Moreover, one in three (33 per cent) are not aware that driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a 'dangerous' problem can result in a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and three penalty points.

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of those who drove with an expired MOT said they drove over 100 miles before obtaining a new valid MOT certificate. On average, drivers said they had travelled 67 miles before the expired MOT was renewed. Of those who admit to not getting their MOT done on time, seven per cent say they didn’t think they would get caught doing so, as their vehicle was in good condition.

Almost a third of drivers (31 per cent) aren’t aware that you can get your MOT check completed up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and still keep the same renewal date as you had in the current year. While the reasons for holding off getting an MOT differ, many drivers appear to be leaving it too late to book their MOT, with 20 per cent of those who were late with their test saying it was because their garage couldn’t fit them in.

Table: Top reasons for not getting their MOT done on time

Source: Green Flag

There are free tools to help ensure drivers book in their test, the DVSA runs a free text message service to remind drivers when their car’s MOT is due. Over five million people were registered for the MOT Reminder as of 30 June 2024. Drivers can sign up for free reminders at https://www.gov.uk/mot-reminder.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “Driving without a valid MOT can pose a serious risk, not just to yourself but to other road users. An expired MOT certificate can mean vital safety issues are being overlooked, increasing the chance of breakdowns and accidents. Regular vehicle checks and timely MOT renewals are crucial to keeping our roads safe and for drivers to avoid substantial fines and penalties. To keep up to date with MOT deadlines, you can register for the for the MOT Reminder subscription via the DVSA.”

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For further information please contact: 

Unni Henry

PR Manager 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

Fleishman Hillard 

Email: DirectLineGroupMedia@Fleishman.com or 07808 727280

Notes to Editors:  

1.      Freedom of Information request to the DVSA in September 2024

2.     Survey conducted for Green Flag by Censuswide amongst 2021 UK drivers with use of a car (17+) between 30th September to 2nd October 2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

3.      Government data, available at: https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot

About Green Flag: 

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).   

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.   

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.    

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com