What are the most common reasons for Brits driving without a valid MOT status?

What are the most common reasons for driving without a valid MOT status?

Simply forgetting to check is the most common cause of driving without a valid MOT certificate according to our survey, with ​​27% of drivers saying this. Similarly, ​25% of motorists say they didn’t note the day their MOT certificate expired.

However, more than ​​22% say they have driven without a valid MOT certificate because they couldn’t afford the work needed for their car to pass the test. Over one in 10 (​13%) also say they drove without an MOT because they couldn’t afford an appointment – which has a maximum price of £54.85.

The cost of living crisis could be the reason behind the increasing numbers of motorists driving without a valid MOT status, as in our last survey, only 18% of drivers admitted to cost being the reason behind committing this offence, compared to the ​22% this year.

Not driving often enough and feeling it wasn’t necessary are also key reasons motorists decide not to undergo an MOT test, with 16% admitting to this. However, this is not the case – it is illegal to drive or park your vehicle anywhere other than a driveway if your MOT has expired, and motorists can be prosecuted if caught. The only exceptions are to drive it to or from somewhere to be repaired, or to a pre-arranged MOT test.

Almost 3 in 10 young motorists admit to driving without a valid MOT certificate, due to struggling to afford the costs of work or repairs needed to pass

Among 17-24 year-olds, more than ​34% admit to driving without a valid MOT certificate, alongside​​ 28% of 25-34 year-olds. This compares with just 8% of those aged 55 and over.

And it seems young drivers struggle the most with the costs associated with passing their MOT, our survey indicates. Not being able to afford the work needed to pass the test is the most common reason given by those aged 17-24 – with ​​29% saying so.

The number of Brits who drive without a valid MOT certificate by age

How many drivers are unaware of the consequences of driving without a valid MOT certificate?

When asked to correctly identify the consequences of driving without a valid MOT more than ​46% of drivers admit they don’t know the answer – and ​​49% guessed incorrectly.

Nationally, only ​4% of drivers correctly identified that you can be​fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT, but no penalty points apply.

However, outside of a fine, the potential consequences of not obtaining your MOT in time could be much greater than this.

A key role of an MOT is to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. If you are found to be driving a vehicle that is ​unsafe – whether you have an MOT or not – you can be prosecuted.

For trucks and buses this can attract an ‘unlimited’ fine, while for other vehicles the fine is £2,500. If the offence is committed within three years of a similar previous conviction, it attracts a minimum six month disqualification. Otherwise the disqualification is discretionary. Each case attracts three penalty points.