An MOT is a legally required annual inspection for all vehicles. Yet motorists are failing to comply despite facing a possible fine of up to £1,000.

Increasing concern

The car insurance team at Compare the Market has surveyed UK drivers to find out why people don’t get an MOT certificate. It reveals the cost of living is certainly affecting drivers.

Research carried out in June 2023 finds that 18% of UK drivers admit to having driven a car without a valid MOT.

The new data suggests the number of motorists driving without a valid MOT certificate is increasing. Only 11% of motorists admitted to this offence in the same study conducted by Compare the Market a year ago.

Cityscape

Almost a quarter of drivers in Manchester admit to driving without a valid MOT certificate

Driving without an MOT appears to be much more common in some cities than others. In Manchester, 24% of drivers admit to the offence, compared to fewer than 3% of drivers in Glasgow.

Birmingham and Sheffield are also high on the list, with 23% and 22% of drivers admitting to this committing this offence, respectively.

Rank

City

% driving without a valid MOT

1

Manchester

24%

2

Birmingham

23%

3

Sheffield

22%

4

London

21%

5

Belfast

19%

6

Liverpool

18%

7

Bristol

17%

8

Nottingham

17%

9

Cardiff

15%

10

Norwich

15%

I can’t remember

Simply forgetting to check the status of the vehicles MOT is the most common cause for committing this offence, according to Compare the Market’s research, with 27% of drivers giving this reason, with 25% of motorists claiming they didn’t note the day it expired.

However, more than 22% say they have driven without an MOT because they couldn’t afford the work needed for their car to pass the test. Over one in 10 also say they drove without a valid MOT status because they couldn’t afford an appointment.

The cost of living crisis may be to blame for the increasing number of drivers avoiding their MOT test.

In last year’s study, only 18% of drivers who admitted to driving without an MOT  because they couldn’t afford the work their car needed.

Paying the price

Almost half of motorists (46%) claim to not know what consequences are associated for driving without a valid MOT certificate. Meanwhile, 49% guessed the consequences incorrectly.

Only 4% correctly identified that you can be fined up to £1,000, with no penalty points at risk.

However, the potential consequences of not obtaining your MOT in time can be much greater than this. A key role of an MOT is to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and safe.

Dangerous neglect

Julie Daniels, car insurance team, Compare the Market says “it’s concerning to see how many motorists are failing to adhere to this”.

Not only is it dangerous, says Daniels, “but it could also invalidate your car insurance policy”.

“In most cases your insurance will be invalidated if you drive without an MOT – and that means you’ll be breaking the law twice: firstly, by driving without a valid MOT and secondly, for driving without valid insurance.”

You can easily check when your MOT is due using your number plate. Go on GOV.UK, or sign up online to get a free text or email reminders of MOT expiry dates.

You can find the full Comparethemarket study here.