Nearly three million cars have been driven on British roads without a valid MOT over the past three years, according to new research. Driving without an MOT in place puts other road users at risk and leaves drivers liable for fines that could total up to £3 billion.
Despite being a legal requirement, more than one in five drivers admit to missing their MOT date, with over half of these reporting it has happened more than twice. The figures come from research carried out by Confused.com, which highlights a worrying lack of awareness and compliance among drivers.
The study found that one in four drivers are unaware of the legal and financial consequences of driving without a valid MOT. Drivers caught without a valid MOT can face fines of up to £1,000. If the vehicle is deemed dangerous, fines can even rise to £2,500, along with three penalty points and, in some cases, a driving ban.
Data obtained from Freedom of Information requests to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland revealed that 791,000 vehicles were overdue for a new MOT in 2024 alone.
For those who have completed their MOTs, national pass rates averaged 72%, with London recording the highest at 78% and the South West the lowest at 67%.
Over the last three years, the South East had the highest number of overdue MOTs, followed by the East of England and the North West.
The DVSA also revealed the most common reasons for MOT failures in the past three years. Brake faults topped the list, followed by suspension issues and tyre problems.
These faults can significantly affect vehicle control, particularly on wet or icy roads, increasing the risk of accidents, especially as temperatures continue to drop across the UK. In Northern Ireland, suspension issues, body chassis problems, and fuel or exhaust system faults were the most frequent causes of failure.
Many missed MOTs were simply due to drivers forgetting their test date, with almost half of those who missed it citing forgetfulness as the reason. Other factors included misunderstandings about deadlines and difficulties securing appointments.
The research also underlined that rising costs play a role, with some motorists delaying tests due to the average £111 expense for MOTs, including booking fees and necessary repairs.
Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: "Keeping on top of your MOT is more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s one of the most important ways to make sure your car is reliable and safe to drive. Our research shows that millions of cars are on the road without a valid MOT, often because drivers simply forget.
"But an expired MOT doesn’t just mean a fine of up to £1,000. It means your car might not be roadworthy, which puts you and others at risk. And if caught without a valid MOT, there’s also a chance your insurance could be invalidated.
"Many of the faults that cause MOT failures, like faulty brakes, damaged tyres, or suspension issues can often be avoided with simple and regular checks. Taking the time to spot problems early can save you money on repairs and help prevent accidents.
"To make staying on top of your annual MOT test easier, some garages and dealerships offer payment schemes that include your MOT and service costs spread across the year. These plans often come with MOT reminders, helping you stay organised and making them more affordable.
"Our MOT Checker also helps drivers view their vehicle’s MOT history, current status, and sign up for reminders so they don’t miss their next test."
