Forgetful Brits - 7 Million Drivers Fail to Renew Their MOT on Time

• Those who completed their MOT late were, on average, more than two and a half months overdue.
• An estimated 74 million car journeys were made in vehicles with an expired MOT
• Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potentially three penalty points on your licence
• Forgetfulness, garage availability, and being away or otherwise unable to complete the test on time were identified as the leading causes of MOT tardiness.

New research¹ by breakdown provider Green Flag has found that over 7 million motorists were late carrying out their MOT last year. On average, drivers who did their MOT late were over two and a half months overdue.

Worryingly, Green Flag research² shows that almost a quarter (23%) continued to drive their vehicle despite knowing their MOT had expired, and a third (32%) drove their vehicle without realising it had expired. It is estimated 74 million car journeys were made in vehicles with an expired MOT last year.

Table one: Number of MOTs that were carried out late in 2025

Source: Green Flag/DVSA

With more than 33 million cars on Britain’s roads² (34m UK), and many households owning more than one vehicle, it’s no surprise that busy lives can mean it’s sometimes easy to lose track of when an MOT is due. Almost a third (32%), who were late for their MOT, simply forgot it was due and one in seven blamed lack of garage availability or being away or otherwise unable to do it. Worryingly 9% said that their car felt safe to drive, so didn’t think an MOT was urgent.

Table two: Top reasons for doing the MOT after the certificate expired

Source: Green Flag

MOTs are a legal requirement, the annual safety check for vehicles over three years old help ensure that they are safe and roadworthy. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) in police cars or ANPR cameras can quickly flag vehicles without a valid MOT certificate. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to fines of up to £1,000, rising to £2,500 for vehicles classed as dangerous, and may also result in three penalty points. Furthermore, if drivers are involved in an accident and don't have a valid MOT, their insurance policy could be invalid, which means the insurer may not pay all or part of a claim. 

With almost a third (32%) saying that they forgot their MOT was due, it’s a good idea to join the almost six million³ people who have already subscribed to the DVLA’s free MOT reminder service, which sends a text message or email alert when a vehicle’s MOT is approaching its expiry date. The service reminds drivers that their MOT is due, helping to reducing the risk of fines and keeping vehicles safe on the road.

Motorists also cite lack of garage availability as a reason for late MOTs. It’s a good idea for drivers to book their next MOT in good time before their current certificate expires, especially if the car was purchased in March or September, when the number plates change. These months are particularly busy for MOT test centres meaning there can be high demand for tests and limited availability.

It’s important for people to plan ahead if they are expecting to be away, for example on holiday or for work. An MOT can be renewed up to one month minus one day before it expires and still keep the same renewal date for the following year, giving motorists more flexibility and helping to avoid a last‑minute rush.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, commented: “With the pace of modern life, it’s easy for MOT dates to slip your mind. However, having a valid MOT is essential for keeping vehicles safe and avoiding unnecessary breakdowns and fines. It’s a good idea to plan ahead, make use of the DVLA reminder services, book MOT appointments in good time and to keep on top of regular maintenance to help keep everyone safe on the road.”

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

¹ Freedom of information request to the DVLA to find the number of MOTs for cars that were renewed late (i.e. after the 12 months had expired, or after the car had reached its 3rd anniversary) in 2025.

On average 10.5 car journeys were made with an expired MOT (10.5 x 7,088,106 = 74,425,113)

² DfT vehicle licencing statistics: Vehicle licensing statistics: July to September 2025 - GOV.UK

³ 5,969,464 people have subscribed to the DVLA’s free MOT reminder service

For further information please contact:

Unni Henry

Brand PR - Green Flag

Unni.henry@aviva.com

About Green Flag

With over 50 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 is part of the Aviva Group.

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