Millions of UK drivers are at risk of receiving £1,000 fines according to new research.
DVSA rules state your vehicle must have a valid MOT certificate if it is to be driven. You also cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out, and you can be prosecuted if caught.
But a new survey conducted by Fixter reveals the misunderstanding UK motorists have between an MOT and a regular car service, with one in five unaware of the legal requirements for their vehicles. And a huge 38% of drivers didn't realise they needed to have an MOT done each year.
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The survey of UK drivers revealed that 19% thought an MOT is dependent on mileage, while a further 16% believed an MOT was required only every two to four years. This is despite UK law dictating that driving a vehicle without a valid MOT could lead to a £1,000 fine and points on your licence.
The study found women are more knowledgeable than men when it comes to their vehicles, with 66% aware that an MOT is an annual activity, compared to 61% of men. What’s more, a higher percentage of men thought an MOT was based on mileage (20%) compared to just 17% of women.
There is also a clear North-South divide, with just under half (47%) of London drivers aware that an MOT is due yearly, while 70% of Northerners know it is an annual requirement.
There are two instances where you can legally drive a vehicle without a valid MOT. These are if you are driving to or from somewhere for your vehicle to be repaired, or if you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test.
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