8:27 am, August 12, 2013
NEW findings show that a third of motorists have driven a car knowing it has no MOT.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) surveyed 1,000 UK motorists and found that, of those that have driven a car without a valid MOT, 67 per cent admitted driving for up to a week before the retest, 24 per cent for up to a month, seven per cent for up to six months and two per cent for more than six months.
The research suggests men are more likely to continue driving after their MOT has lapsed – 35 per cent of all male drivers say they have done so, versus 31 per cent of female drivers.
There are significant regional differences in the findings. The east Midlands topped the table for remembering to carry out a car’s MOT, with just 15 per cent of motorists in the region saying they have driven a car without a valid MOT. At the opposite end of the spectrum, drivers in the South West were most likely to drive without an MOT, with 41% admitting to forgetting.
The data also suggests that younger motorists are worst at remembering the test date, with 39 per cent of drivers aged 18-24 saying they have continued to drive after the MOT had expired. The most diligent motorists were 45-54 year-olds, with only 28 per cent saying the same.
Dealers on hand
To help motorists remember to have their car tested each year, SMMT has teamed up with the Trading Standards-approved garage network, Motor Codes, to offer car owners a free MOT service reminder. Available at www.passmymot.co.uk, the service will send motorists a reminder every year before their car’s annual test of roadworthiness is due.
‘Each year, a significant proportion of motorists forget their car’s MOT, risking safety, fines and penalty points,’ said Mike Baunton, SMMT interim chief executive.
‘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.
‘With more than 5,500 dealers across the UK carrying out free pre-MOT checks, along with an MOT reminder service run by Motor Codes, we are helping drivers to avoid basic MOT test fails by spotting simple-to-fix problems before the MOT lapses.’
Commenting on behalf of the national Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), Sue Robinson, NFDA director 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.
‘For the motorist, a visit to their local franchised dealer will ensure the highest standard of customer care, in-depth training and knowledge of the vehicle and that their car meets all safety and legal requirements.’
