Motorists missing MOT renewal by more than three weeks
Almost 10% of drivers wait more than three weeks too long before booking an MOT renewal.
Government MOT extensions related to the coronavirus pandemic ended on 1st August 2020. This means that all extended MOTs should have now been renewed since 1st February 2021.
Expired MOTs
Around 9% of motorists who’ve booked an MOT in the past six months waited more than three weeks after their existing certificate expired, according to data from Kwik Fit – compared with just 3% in the same period last year.
Driving without a valid MOT could land you with instant fines of up to £1,000. Furthermore, if your car is deemed unfit for the road, you could see fines of up to £2,500, a driving ban and three penalty points.
Roger Griggs, Communications Director at Kwik Fit, said: “We are seeing a big increase in owners not getting their car tested until three or more weeks after it has become illegal to drive.
“This is especially dangerous at the moment as people will not have been driving their cars as much over the last year. As a result, any safety issues may not be as apparent to them as they would be with more frequent use of their car.”
Booking a service
With all government extensions now over, you should organise your MOT renewal well ahead of expiry date to avoid driving illegally.
As an essential business, garages and MOT centres have been allowed to open throughout the latest period of government restrictions.
The only exception to being behind the wheel without a valid MOT is if you’re driving your vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test, or to a garage where it’s getting repaired.
Not driven for a while? Use 1st CENTRAL’s essential guide to help get your car safety back on the road after lockdown.
