A NEW survey by the SMMT has revealed a shocking number of motorists have driven without a valid MOT. 

Around 67 per cent admitted driving for up to one week without a valid MOT certificate, while an additional 24 per cent have driven for up to one month under the same circumstances. 

To make matters worse, seven per cent – around 700,000 drivers – have made journeys even though they have not had a valid MOT certificate for up to six months. 

Unsurprisingly, men are more likely than women to drive on Britain’s pothole-ridden roads after their MOT has lapsed. 

The survey of 1,000 motorists by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders also discovered that the South West of England is the most common region where people drive willingly without a valid MOT. Those in the East Midlands are least likely to forget to have the test done to their vehicles.

But is it just a simple matter of forgetting that is leading to millions of motorists delaying on their MOTs or are our busy lives preventing us from reluctantly taking our baby engines to the garage?

Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive, said ‘a significant proportion’ of motorists forget their car’s MOT but risk receiving fines and penalty points, as well as putting the lives of those on the road at risk if anything is faulty with the car. e.g. faulty brakes.

“Manufacturer main dealers are the best place to go to be sure of the most highly trained technicians, using the parts manufacturers recommend along with the best diagnostic equipment,” he said. His comments will not sit well with the thousands of perfectly good independent dealers who do servicing and MOTs for far more affordable prices and often provide more added benefits.

“With more than 5,500 dealers across the UK carrying out free MOT pre-MOT checks, we are helping drivers to avoid basic MOT test fails by spotting simply-to-fix problems before the MOT lapses. 

Sue Robinson, Director for the National Franchised Dealers Association, said: “A number of motorists are driving vehicles without a valid MOT, which could result in genuine safety risks to them and other road users.”

Those aged between 18 to 24 are most likely to forget or deliberately miss their MOT test, while those aged between 45 to 54 are the least likely to miss one.