Have you ever been happily driving along when you suddenly get that sinking feeling and realise your MOT has expired?
You won’t be the first person that’s ever happened to, and you certainly won’t be the last.
According to research by Green Flag, almost a quarter of MOTs were carried out late in 2023. That’s 7.6 million vehicle owners risking a fine by driving without a valid MOT.
Why you need an MOT
A third of drivers mistakenly think it’s OK to drive without an MOT, as long as they have a test booked.
In fact, you can only drive if you’re on your way to a pre-booked test or you’re returning to the garage for repairs after a failed MOT.
It’s illegal to drive at midnight on the day your MOT expires, and if you’re caught driving after that, you risk a fine, a ban and points on your licence.
Our research found that drivers come up with various excuses for not getting their MOT done – none of them will go down well with the police if you get pulled over.
The top three reasons people gave were:
- The garage couldn’t fit me in.
- I forgot.
- I was too busy to arrange it.
Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, wants people to consider the risks of driving without an MOT.
She said: “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.”
Don’t leave it too late
Planning ahead for your MOT can save you the stress of trying to find a garage with your test date fast approaching. Slots get booked up quickly, especially during September and October, which are the busiest months for MOTs.
If you’re not great with dates, the DVSA runs a handy text messaging service to remind you when your MOT is due.
You can also get handy MOT and tax reminders through the Green Flag app.
Don’t forget, you can get your MOT done up to a month before it expires and still keep the same renewal date.