Millions of drivers across the UK are risking fines and driving potentially unsafe vehicles after missing their MOT deadlines, according to new data released by Kwik Fit. The automotive servicing and repair company has revealed that a significant proportion of vehicles are only being tested after their MOT certificates have already expired, leaving many motorists unknowingly breaking the law.
Kwik Fit, the UK’s largest MOT provider with more than 500 test centres nationwide, analysed booking data from the past year and found that 16% of vehicles, equivalent to one in six cars, were only booked in for testing after their MOT had already run out. The figures suggest that more than 4.3 million cars requiring an MOT were scheduled too late during the year.
Although many drivers acted quickly once their certificates had expired, the data shows that half of these late bookings occurred within ten days of the deadline passing. Others waited significantly longer, pushing the average delay between expiry and test to 33.7 days.
The problem is not limited to motorists who forget to book their test altogether. Kwik Fit’s analysis also found that around 1.7 million vehicles were tested after their MOT had expired despite being booked in before the deadline. In these cases, limited appointment availability or delayed test dates meant that vehicles still ended up being examined after their certificates had lapsed.
Combined, the figures indicate that around six million cars underwent their MOT test after the expiry date during the past year.
Driving without a valid MOT is illegal for most vehicles over three years old and can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. However, the more pressing concern highlighted by the data is vehicle safety. With figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency showing that 27% of cars fail their MOT test, the findings suggest that more than 1.5 million vehicles on the road without a valid certificate would not have met the minimum safety standards required to remain roadworthy.
Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit and the company’s MOT programme lead, said the test plays a crucial role in ensuring that vehicles on UK roads remain safe for drivers, passengers and other road users.
“The MOT test may sometimes feel like a chore for drivers but it is essential in ensuring a car is safe and roadworthy,” he said. “We all lead very busy lives and it is all too easy for the MOT to slip down the to-do list. That’s why we have a free reminder service and also allow people to book their MOT at Kwik Fit up to six months in advance.”
Joyce added that booking early gives motorists greater flexibility and reduces the stress associated with last-minute appointments, particularly if the vehicle requires repairs following the inspection.
“Drivers can book at their own convenience, secure their appointment slot, and be assured that their car will be tested well before their current MOT expires,” he said. “That way, should the MOT reveal any defects which need to be fixed, drivers can plan their repairs and not have to panic at the last minute.”
Motorists are permitted to have their car tested up to a month minus a day before the existing certificate expires while still keeping the same renewal date for the following year. This window provides drivers with additional flexibility when scheduling the inspection, while also reducing the risk of unintentionally allowing the certificate to lapse.
Kwik Fit says drivers can easily check when their MOT is due and sign up for its free reminder service. The company also allows appointments to be secured up to six months in advance, helping motorists avoid the scramble for last-minute test slots and ensuring their vehicles remain both legal and safe to drive.
