One third of motorists knowingly drive without valid MOT certificate

Research conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that one third of UK motorists have knowingly driven a car without a valid MOT.

A study of 1,000 motorists across the country also found that 67% had driven for up to a week without an MOT, 7% for up to six months and 2% for more than six months. The research estimated that 10 million drivers have taken to UK roads without an MOT certificate, potentially invalidating their insurance and risking penalty points and a £1,000 fine.

The research also discovered that motorists in the South West were most likely to drive without a valid MOT, whereas drivers from the East Midlands were most likely to remember their test (see graph below).

The SMMT also found that male drivers were more likely to drive without an MOT, with 35% of males admitting this discretion, compared to 31% of female motorists.

Younger drivers were also more likely to commit this offence and jeopardise their insurance, with 39% of drivers aged 18 to 24 having driven without a valid MOT certificate (see graph below).

National Franchised Dealers Association director Sue Robinson said, “The statistics show that a number of motorists are driving vehicles without a valid MOT, which could result in genuine safety risks to them and other road users.”