Six in 10 drivers are unaware of MOT changes

4 min read
  • New research* from Green Flag reveals that six in 10 (58 per cent) of drivers are unaware of the upcoming changes to MOT tests
  • Nine in 10 drivers (89 per cent) are unaware that drivers will be fined up to £2,500 for driving a car with an invalid MOT
  • A quarter (25 per cent) of drivers are unaware that you will get fined at all for driving a faulty vehicle
  • A sixth (16 per cent) of drivers don’t book their MOT tests in early, meaning they could be caught out under the new rules
  • Green Flag has released hints and tips about car repairs: https://www.greenflag.com/advice/maintenance/choose-garage
     

New research* released today by leading breakdown cover provider Green Flag reveals that a whopping 58 per cent of drivers are unaware of the MOT changes which come into effect this Sunday.

Under the new MOT rules, drivers could be fined up to £2,500 if they are driving a car with an invalid MOT. A massive nine in 10 (89 per cent) of drivers are unaware of this figure, while one quarter (25 per cent) are unaware that they will be fined at all.

Recent research** by Green Flag found that up to 21 million cars*** on the roads are faulty and a tendency to “ignore the problem” is racking up bills in British households.

Drivers are spending an average of £574 per year - a national average of £21.5 billion - on car repairs; and 47 per cent of these repairs could have been cheaper if the issue had been addressed sooner, the research revealed.

Nick Reid, Head of Automotive Technology at Green Flag, commented: “Driving a faulty car is a huge issue. Not only is it dangerous for you, your passengers and other drivers on the road; not getting issues seen to only makes them worse, which means a bigger bill for you.

“Our research indicates that, under the MOT changes which come into effect on Sunday, the majority of drivers are going to get caught out, and potentially face fines for their vehicle treatment. We are urging drivers to read up on the new rules and ensure that they book MOTs in early, so if their vehicle fails they have time to get it repaired before putting it through the test again.”

According to the Green Flag research, one sixth (16 per cent) of drivers don’t book their MOT in early, meaning that if it fails they have no time to get it repaired before putting it through the test again.

When asked about getting their car repaired, drivers revealed they wait an average of 10 weeks before they get the issue seen to. More than half (57 per cent) of drivers say repairs are too expensive, 27 per cent say they don’t have the time and 23 per cent say they simply can’t be bothered.

Awareness of Changes

Issue Checked Under New MOT

Percentage aware

Cab steps

78 per cent

Cab security

73 per cent

Undertray security

67 per cent

Prop shafts

64 per cent

Noise suppression material

63 per cent

Rear drive shafts on all vehicles

61 per cent

Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from March 2018

59 per cent

Bumper security and condition

59 per cent

Front fog lights on vehicles first used from March 2018

55 per cent

Floor condition

54 per cent

Engine malfunction indicator lamp

53 per cent

Fluid leaks posing an environmental risk

46 per cent

Reversing lights on vehicles first used from September 2009

43 per cent

Emission control equipment

40 per cent

What Is The Fine For Driving A Car With An Invalid MOT?

Issue

Percentage aware

Up to £500

15 per cent

Up to £1,000

34 per cent

Up to £1,500

8 per cent

Up to £2,000

7 per cent

Up to £2,500

11 per cent

I was not aware there were any fines

25 per cent

To help drivers overcome the time and expense issue of getting cars repaired, Green Flag has launched Smart Service, available to new and renewing customers of Green Flag. Smart Service is provided by RoadServe and is designed to save drivers time, money and hassle on MOTs, services and mechanical repairs.

RoadServe acts as the reliable middleman between motorists and the garage, so no more confusing conversations or questionable quotes. They’ll handle everything from the moment the car is booked in. To find out more, visit the Green Flag Smart Service site.

To find out more about Green Flag, visit https://www.greenflag.com/

 

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:
 

*Based on research conducted on 1,023 drivers, Opinium, May 2018

**Based on research conducted on 2,020 drivers, Censuswide, March 2018

***Based on 37.5 million cars on Britain’s roads (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/620223/vehicle-licensing-january-to-march-2017.pdf)

With over 40 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com