- The South East tops the list as the region with the most overdue MOTs, with 433,251 recorded in the region. There were 2.9 million recorded as overdue between January 2022 and December 2024.
- DVSA national pass rate figures for MOT tests averaged 72%. London recorded the highest rate at 78% and the South West the lowest at 67% in the last 3 years.
- Brakes faults is the leading reason for MOT failures with more than 27 million failed tests since 2022.
- Over 1 in 5 (20%) UK drivers admit to missing their MOT, with more than half (52%) of these saying it had happened more than twice.
- 1 in 4 (24%) drivers are currently unaware of the legal and financial penalties of driving without a valid MOT.
- Almost half (46%) of those who have missed an MOT say it’s because they forgot the date. But Confused.com’s MOT checker can help drivers stay on top of their MOT date and avoid risking road safety or receiving any hefty fines.
New research by Confused.com reveals that 2.9 million UK drivers have been on the roads without a valid MOT certificate in the last 3 years1. This could mean unsafe driving conditions for all road users.
The figures were obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland. The data reveals that 791,000 vehicles were overdue for a new MOT test certificate in 2024 alone.
Over the last 3 years, the data shows clear regional differences in overdue MOTs. Drivers in the South East had the highest number of overdue MOTs, followed by those in the East of England and North West.
UK Regional breakdown of overdue MOT tests between 2022 and 2024:
| Region | No. Overdue MOTs | Average Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
South East
|
£433,251
|
73%
|
|
East of England
|
£328,005
|
74.10%
|
|
North West
|
£317,798
|
72.70%
|
|
West Midlands
|
£325,921
|
73.50%
|
|
London
|
£277,745
|
78.20%
|
|
East Midlands
|
£268,621
|
72.50%
|
|
Yorkshire & the Humber
|
£240,771
|
71.80%
|
|
South West
|
£260,739
|
67.30%
|
|
Scotland
|
£200,397
|
69.60%
|
|
Wales
|
150,993
|
70.30%
|
|
North East
|
62,571
|
70.80%
|
During this period, the national pass rate averaged 72%. This means, on average, over 1 in 4 (28%) cars were unsafely on the road without a valid MOT certificate. Drivers caught without a valid MOT could face a fine of up to £1,000. The maximum can even increase to £2,500 if the vehicle is then considered dangerous after taking a test. This could also lead to 3 penalty points, and in some cases, a driving ban.
In England, London was the region with the highest average pass rate at 78%, while the South East had the lowest at 67%, showing a clear divide on vehicle testing between neighbouring regions. By comparison, in the last financial year, Northern Ireland had an overall pass of 81.5%, with 810,862 vehicles passing their test.
The DVSA also revealed the most common reasons for MOT test failure in the last 3 years. Brake faults were the top issue, causing more than 27 million failed tests- approximately 9 million each year. Faulty brakes are a major hazard on roads, they risk drivers losing control of their car and potentially cause an accident. Suspension problems followed closely behind. Lack of suspension could mean drivers lose control of their vehicle, risking skidding or swerving.
Tyres were the third most common reason for failing. With worn tread or damage to tyres reducing grip on the road, this makes it harder to control the car especially on wet or icy surfaces. This might cause even more worry for drivers as we head further into winter. And if caught with all 4 tyres under the legal limit, this can amount to a £10,000 on the spot fine.
In Northern Ireland, the DVA reported the highest number of failures was due to suspension problems, body chassis, and fuel exhaust systems. These issues can affect how stable and secure a car is, ultimately risking safety for the driver and other road users. Problems with the fuel or exhaust system can also increase emissions and reduce engine efficiency, which can lead to a failed test.
Failing is not the only reason many cars are on the roads without a valid MOT. For many, the issue starts with simply missing their test date. According to a new survey of 2,000 UK drivers, over 1 in 5 (20%) admit to missing their MOT. More than half (52%) of these drivers say it has happened more than twice.
For those who have missed an MOT, almost half (46%) said they forgot the date. While 1 in 7 (14%) thought they had more time left. But 7% of drivers who missed their MOT date couldn’t get an appointment in time. This left them with concerns that a lack of test availability might be contributing to risky road conditions.
Lack of awareness about the implications of a missed MOT also seem to be a problem. Almost 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t aware of the legal and financial penalties of driving without a valid certificate. For those who were caught driving without a valid MOT, the consequences were serious. Half (50%) said they received a fine, while 1 in 3 (33%) said they received penalty points on their licence.
The cost of an MOT can also be a factor for missing the test. Almost 1 in 10 (9%) had to delay their MOT test because of cost. On average, drivers said they spent £111 on their vehicle test, including booking fees and repairs. With the cost of living still on the rise, some motorists may struggle to cover this expense straight away. Over 1 in 6 (17%) drivers think the MOT test should be required every two years instead of each year to cut down on costs.
Some motorists believe garages could do more to make MOTs affordable. 1 in 5 (20%) think certain garages fail MOTs unfairly to make more money.1 in 4 (25%) believe there should be discounts or loyalty schemes to help with costs.
Keeping up with this test remains essential to ensure vehicles are safe and legal to drive. Over 1 in 3 (36%) drivers said they would find email or text reminders useful for booking their next MOT on time. To help drivers, Confused.com has launched the MOT Checker. This is a free tool that allows drivers to check their vehicle’s MOT history and current status. Motorists can also sign up for reminders when their test is due too.
Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com, comments:
“Keeping on top of your MOT is more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s one of the most important ways to make sure your car is reliable and safe to drive. Our research shows that millions of cars are on the road without a valid MOT, often because drivers simply forget. But an expired MOT doesn’t just mean a fine of up to £1,000. It means your car might not be roadworthy, which puts you and others at risk. And if caught without a valid MOT, there’s also a chance your insurance could be invalidated.
“Many of the faults that cause MOT failures, like faulty brakes, damaged tyres, or suspension issues can often be avoided with simple and regular checks. Taking the time to spot problems early can save you money on repairs and help prevent accidents.
“To make staying on top of your annual MOT test easier, some garages and dealerships offer payment schemes that include your MOT and service costs spread across the year. These plans often come with MOT reminders, helping you stay organised and making them more affordable.
“Our MOT Checker also helps drivers view their vehicle’s MOT history, current status, and sign up for reminders so they don’t miss their next test.”
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