Warning to UK drivers as one in six guilty of MOT mistake
Introduced in 1960, MOTs are a legally required service to ensure vehicle safety, from checking brake and fuel systems to seatbelts, lights and exhausts.
A vehicle with major problems will fail the test.
Drivers often also receive a list of advisories for minor issues they are not required to resolve immediately.
Examples include tyre tread close to the legal limit, brake pads almost worn out, and small oil leaks.
(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
The RAC, which commissioned the poll, said it is 'vital drivers keep a close eye' on any issues raised.
Some 44% of the 1,460 drivers surveyed who had a vehicle put through an MOT in the previous year said the test resulted in one or more advisories.
The warnings were not acted on by 54% of these respondents.
Some 17% of this group went on to suffer a vehicle breakdown or collision as a consequence.
Separate Department for Transport figures show 39 people were killed and a further 1,865 were injured in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 in which vehicle defects were a contributory factor.
The total number of casualties was the highest since 2018.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender warned that MOT advisories 'demand attention' because they mean a vehicle 'isn't in the best of health'.
He said: 'Unfortunately, our research suggests there's a lot of troubling advisory apathy among drivers.
'Advisories indicate the potential for the vehicle to become unroadworthy in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the nature of the issue and how often the vehicle is driven.
'It's crucial that drivers keep a close eye on any flagged items.'
He added: 'An MOT is the most basic of roadworthiness checks, and no replacement for a proper service by a qualified mechanic.'
How you can avoid MOT fines
Find out when your MOT is due
As soon as your car hits three years-old, it will need an MOT before its birthday each year.
You can easily check when your MOT is due using your number plate on GOV.UK.
You can undertake your MOT test up to a month (minus a day) before its expiry date while still preserving its annual due date.
Set up a reminder
Simply set a reminder on your email calendar - or in Great Britain, you can sign up online to get a free text or email reminder one month before your vehicle's MOT is due.
In Northern Ireland you'll get a letter in the post seven weeks before your MOT is due.
Create a car contingency account
Cars are expensive – there's no denying that – and MOTs can throw up unexpected repair costs in order to pass.
It's a good idea to set up a car contingency savings account; putting aside a little each month to spread the costs and make sure you can afford any unexpected nasty surprises.
Shop around for your MOT
Just as you should shop around for a cheaper premium on your car insurance, you can also compare prices for your MOT.
The maximum price of an MOT is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.
But many garages will offer it cheaper than this – especially if bought in conjunction with your regular servicing.
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