1.2m UK drivers ‘driving illegally’ – risking | Tech News
MOTs are a legal requirement as soon as your car is three years outdated (Image: Inside Creative House by way of Getty Images)
More than a million autos are seemingly being pushed illegally on UK roads with out a legitimate MOT, new analysis suggests. Alarmingly, Gen Z drivers are 4 instances more more likely to neglect an MOT than older generations.
These figures have been launched this week by Halfords, indicating that three per cent of motorists confess to having bypassed their MOT prior to now 12 months. Given that MOTs are annual, this means that round 1.2 million autos are at present on the highway with out an MOT.
Halfords cites Department for Transport information exhibiting that there are presently 42.3 million registered autos on UK roads. With the new research revealing that 5% admit to beforehand skipping their MOT and 59% of these confessing they missed it within the final 12 months, it is possible that 1,247,850 autos might not have had an MOT prior to now 12 months.
Gen Z drivers are ‘4 instances more seemingly’ to skip MOTs
The research revealed a regarding trend amongst youthful drivers – six per cent said they’d skipped an MOT prior to now 12 months, double the national average. In reality, eight per cent of Gen Z confessed to ever skipping an MOT – in comparison with three per cent of Gen X and two per cent of child boomers, regardless of having been driving for considerably much less time.
Drivers cited prices as an challenge (Image: Fenton Roman by way of Getty Images)
The research additionally revealed that males are more than twice as seemingly as ladies to have ever missed an MOT (7% vs 3%). Furthermore, these residing in London have been discovered to be thrice more more likely to have skipped an MOT prior to now 12 months in comparison with the national average (10% vs 3%).
So, why do drivers neglect their MOT?
Motorists cite a vary of causes for lacking an MOT. Over a third who did so (36%) admitted they merely forgot it was due.
However, over a quarter (27%) deliberately averted it due to the price of the MOT itself. An extra quarter (25%) opted out as a result of of basic motoring prices.
The broader price of dwelling appears to play a function – with 61% of Britons reporting an increase in dwelling bills, the state of affairs might doubtlessly worsen. This might additionally exacerbate the problem – over 4 in ten (42%) drivers expressed concern about affording their subsequent MOT.
Among these, 69% voiced worries about sudden restore prices that may crop up during an MOT and 50% have been anxious about affording it given the escalating price of dwelling. It’s price noting that MOTs are a yearly legal obligation to make sure autos adhere to security and environmental requirements.
Vehicles working with out a legitimate MOT certificates pose critical security dangers, endangering drivers, passengers and fellow motorists alike. Driving with out an MOT can lead to penalties of up to £1,000, accumulation of six penalty factors on a driving licence, and might render motor insurance coverage void.
Andy Turbefield, motoring specialist at Halfords, stated: “Many people are feeling the squeeze financially, but skipping your MOT is a false economy. It can actually lead to greater financial burden if you get fined and if you were to crash your vehicle and a lack of an MOT invalidates your insurance, you could be out of pocket for far more.
“MOT failures are sometimes a consequence of low-cost points similar to a blown bulb and even low screenwash. At Halfords we offer those that signal up to our free Motoring Club a complimentary 10-level car examine, which might help establish any points forward of an MOT, in addition to offering £5 off their MOT itself. Meanwhile the premium membership – which prices £54 – consists of a free MOT in addition to £10 and £130 of financial savings, all of which matches a small technique to making motoring that bit more inexpensive.”
The research was carried out by Mortar on January 13 and 14, 2026, surveying 2,015 British motorists.
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