Missed MOT tests cost garages £2.89m p/a

Dealers are missing out on £2.89m every year due to missed MOT tests. It’s been revealed that 144 drivers miss their deadlines every day.

This is according to new car buying platform What Car?.

Exclusive research by What Car? found 210,886 drivers were caught by the UK’s police forces between 2015 and 2018 for driving without a valid MOT certificate. Police Scotland caught 55,000 drivers in the four-year period – an average of 37 drivers fined every day. The Metropolitan Police in London caught the second highest number of drivers, with 40,462 fined, while West Yorkshire recorded the third highest at 12,022.

Every missed MOT represents up to £54.85 in lost business for garages and the tests are a vital aspect of maintaining road safety in the UK, too.

Last year, more than a third of all cars failed their initial MOT, with a worrying 9.2% failing due to dodgy brakes, while another 19% failed from either faulty suspension or illegal tyres. In 2017, vehicle defects, including illegal tyres, defective brakes and missing mirrors – all components inspected as part of the MOT – were a contributing factor in 1539 road accidents which required police attendance. 

Rachel Prasher, managing director of What Car?, said, ‘It’s clear dealers could be doing more to remind motorists about an upcoming MOT test. Not only are they losing out on potential business, but an unroadworthy vehicle on the road is a significant safety risk for both drivers and other road users.’

The research also found drivers are more likely to fail to renew their MOT in the winter months from November to February, than in the summer between May and August. The winter months saw 17.3% more drivers on average fined for not having a valid MOT certificate. 

Rachel added, ‘It’s worrying to see 144 drivers a day caught in the UK without a valid MOT certificate. The onus is always on the driver to ensure their vehicle meets the legal roadworthiness requirements, but a friendly reminder from a dealer that their MOT is due could help prevent an accident on our roads.’