One in four drivers are at risk of failing their MOT this year with the DVSA urging motorists to get checked on time, particularly as the festive period approaches.
The warning comes after DVSA data found that 26.82 per cent of drivers fail their MOT test each year, with last year seeing a whopping 9.9 million drivers fail.
Reports revealed that demand for MOTs usually increases as the New Year approaches with searches for “MOT Test” spiking from 7,318 in December last year to almost 10,000 in January 2024.
Searches for “MOT test near me” also saw an increase from 892 searches in December 2023 to 1,085 in January 2024, showing driver intent to get their vehicle serviced.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Around 30 million tests are conducted every year
GETTYExperts at Collect Service Go are warning drivers about the importance of checking key vehicle components to avoid getting slapped with costly repairs.
Ollie Green, from Hatfield MOT, explained that recent data from last year's MOT tests showed that brakes remain one of the leading causes of failure, accounting for 9.92 per cent of all tests that fail.
“This is a key area for drivers to watch out for, as brake-related major defects, which make up 6.03 per cent of failures, can significantly impact road safety," he added.
Lamps, reflectors, and electrical equipment are some of the main areas which can see drivers fail their tests, accounting for 10.7 per cent of failures. The reports detailed how 25.11 per cent of the failures were due to major defects in the lights.
Green added that this underscores the importance of ensuring that all lights and reflectors are“functioning properly, especially during winter months when visibility is reduced".
Suspension issues accounted for 12.6 per cent of all tests that failed and contributed to 6.6 per cent of dangerous defects, which Green warned can affect the vehicle's handling, “making it harder to control and increasing the risk of accidents".
Meanwhile, seatbelt issues represented 7.4 per cent of all failures with experts urging drivers to check the key safety feature before an MOT as “even minor issues like fraying, wear, or malfunction can lead to serious problems”.
Noise, emissions, and leaks were responsible for 4.58 per cent of all DVSA recorded tests that failed. Leaks which are often difficult to detect can cause exhaust systems and seals to get damaged.
Under UK law, drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for driving a vehicle which has failed its MOT. In more severe cases motorists could even be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle with a ‘dangerous’ problem.
Green commented: “Any issue with the steering system can severely impact vehicle control, particularly in winter weather when precise handling is critical."
Body, chassis, and structural issues were also ranked highly for MOT failures contributing to 9.70 per cent of tests that fail.
While experts did not that while this is a smaller percentage, “they can be particularly dangerous for accidents when rust or structural damage is present, as it weakens the vehicle’s structure”.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Driver fury at £70 parking fine outside schools which sees local council rake in thousands
- M5 chaos: Major motorway brought to standstill following fatal crash with drivers warned of severe delays
- Major car tax changes could see drivers of popular vehicles slapped with a £5,490 bill - are you at risk?
Drivers are required to ensure that their car is always roadworthy
GETTYLast year, 43.7 million tests were completed with 9.9 million ending in failure, which can only be done if inspectors find a "dangerous" or "major" problem.
