New MOT test rule changes rolled out could see millions of drivers impacted

This will prevent drivers from receiving unwanted reminders to visit a garage and get an MOT if they no longer have the vehicle.

The DVSA took to the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, to inform drivers of the rule change and help them avoid any issues.

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Some drivers may still receive reminders about their upcoming MOT test for a vehicle they no longer own.

This could be if they have scrapped their older vehicle or had it destroyed without unsubscribing from MOT alerts.

​If drivers no longer want to receive an MOT reminder, they can unsubscribe using the GOV.UK website.

This can take place if someone has a vehicle that they have sold, transferred to someone else, scrapped, written off or registered as off the road (SORN).

Before they can unsubscribe, motorists would need the mobile phone number or email address used to initially sign up to the reminder service.

People can also unsubscribe by following the instructions in the text message or clicking the unsubscribe link in the email.

​More than five million people have now signed up for the DVSA’s free MOT reminder service.

Britons will receive a free reminder via a text message or by email, with drivers of cars, vans and motorcycles getting the reminder a month before the MOT is due.

Lorry, bus and large trailer drivers will be given a two-month reminder before they need to visit a licensed garage.

While motorists in Northern Ireland are not able to use the service, they will get a reminder through the post seven weeks before the test is due.

People can be fined if they are found to be driving without a valid MOT, with a £1,000 charge on offer.

The AA has warned motorists about booking their MOT test before it is too late, with November set to be the busiest month for bookings.

Dubbed “Nutty November”, the month will potentially see millions of drivers scrambling for free MOT test slots.

It will be particularly busy as a result of new vehicle registrations in September and legacy MOT deferrals following the pandemic.

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James Hosking, managing director at AA Smart Care, said: “The number of MOTs due this November is going to be incredibly high, so drivers should book early to avoid disappointment.”