DVSA warn millions of British drivers about £1,000 fine for MOT test error amid major reminder

This has prompted the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to urge drivers to ensure they know when they need to visit the garage before their MOT expires.

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the DVSA highlighted how it offers a completely free MOT reminder service.

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It added: "Once you’ve signed up, you won’t need to worry about forgetting your MOT test date.

"Sign up to receive a text message or email four weeks before your MOT is due."

Drivers using the reminder service will get a reminder one month before their car, van or motorcycle MOT is due, while a two-month reminder will be given for lorries, buses or large trailers.

It comes as Britons are reminded that they could be slapped with a massive £1,000 fine for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

When using the service, drivers will be limited to just two vehicles if they choose to get text reminders, although this does not apply if they choose email reminders.

To sign up for the DVSA reminder service, motorists will need their vehicle's number plate and a mobile phone number or email address.

This is part of the DVSA's move to modernise its services and provide Britons with the ability to use a growing number of online methods to check their motoring documents.

The service cannot be used in Northern Ireland, although they will receive a letter from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) around seven weeks before their MOT is due to expire.

Experts have warned that drivers should look to book their MOT tests as soon as they can to ensure they do not allow their MOT to expire and so they can use their local garage rather than having to travel longer distances.

Drivers are able to get an MOT for up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. If the MOT runs out on May 15, the earliest they can get an MOT to keep the same date is April 16.

August and September are popular times of the year for drivers to visit their local garage and get an MOT test, with previous warnings informing motorists that millions could scramble to book in the final months of the year.

Britons have also been told that there is not a grace period once an MOT certificate becomes void, meaning drivers can be fined for continuing to be on the road without a valid test.

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Speaking previously, Rebecca Pullan, managing director at Carmaster Garage in Harrogate, said: "Many drivers like to schedule their MOT and annual service for the same time, as they’re just making one trip to the garage.

"However, ‘uncoupling’ these visits means vehicle owners are much more likely to catch small issues before they become serious problems. This can therefore help avoid incurring unwanted expense in the long run.”