Drivers with MOT due in next two months urged to book now

Motorists with vehicles due an MOT in September or October are being firmly advised to book one as early as possible ahead of a looming surge in demand.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) found that 1.3 million more MOTS are due in the next two months than in the same period pre-pandemic in 2019.

This has led The Motor Ombudsman to expect a significant rise in hits on its online Garage Finder, as motorists rush to book their vehicle’s annual test. Its search tool has already experienced a 60% increase in searches during the first half of 2021 compared to the first half of last year.

The build-up of motorists needing tests is due to last year’s six-month MOT extension, which allowed car owners to push their tests back as many garages had no option but to close. Cars, motorcycles and light vans due a test between 30 March and 31 July 2020 were able to make use of a six-month extension, while those in Northern Ireland were given an extra 12 months.

The DVSA estimates there will be a 22% increase in MOTs this September and October, as a result of up to 9.58 million drivers taking advantage of last year’s extension.

Bill Fennell, managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “After a small uptick in the number of MOTs forecast to expire during August, there is a notable acceleration in the volume of MOT certificates due to come to an end in September and October.

“This means that it’s going to be an extremely busy period for MOT stations up and down the country during the next few weeks.”

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Back in April, one report found up to two million cars could be driving illegally on UK roads because motorists failed to get their vehicles safety tested after the extension period.

Drivers face fines of up to £1,000 for hitting the road without a MOT. Vehicles must have a MOT test on the third anniversary of their registration, and then every 12 months.

The test costs a maximum of £54.85 for an average car. It will check common repair faults such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes to ensure they meet legal standards.

If your MOT is due or if you'd like to book your vehicle in for a full car service, you can book online with your local RAC Approved Garage today.

Don't forget to do some pre-MOT checks first to make sure you don't fail on something easily fixable!