If your car is due its MOT in the coming weeks, you’d be well advised to book it in sooner rather than later, experts have warned.
Motoring group have predicted a surge in demand for vehicle safety tests next month – which is being dubbed ‘Super September’ – after it was revealed that millions of car owners used the Government’s Covid-19 MOT exemption at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
Cars, motorcycles and light vans due an MOT between March 30 and July 31 last year were eligible for a six-month extension due to the nationwide lockdown – and 5.5 million drivers are estimated to have taken up the offer.
Experts are predicting a surge in demand for vehicle safety tests next month – which is being dubbed ‘Super September’
Those motorists who did use the six-month extension from 31 March last year would have deferred their car’s annual check up to the six months from September 2020 – with the knock-on effect that high numbers of vehicles now need the annual test in the same month this year.
One in five (20 per cent) of 14,688 UK drivers surveyed by the AA said they took advantage of the extension, indicating that more than 5.5million cars had a delayed MOT.
The AA’s head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: ‘With more than 5.5million cars deferring an MOT it is crucial that they are tested to ensure they are safe to use.
‘MOT centres are already feeling the strain and with “Super September” looming, savvy drivers can get ahead of the game. Don’t delay, book today.
‘Usually people leave booking their MOT to the last possible moment. Drivers won’t have that luxury this time.’
Vehicles must have an MOT on the third anniversary of their registration, and then every 12 months
Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for using a vehicle without a valid MOT.
The test costs a maximum of £54.85 for an average car.
Vehicles must have an MOT on the third anniversary of their registration, and then every 12 months.
A number of parts such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes are checked to ensure they meet legal standards.
Additional findings from the study suggest some drivers are entirely reliant on the annual roadworthiness check to ensure their cars are safe and fit to use.
Worryingly, the survey by the AA found that only three quarters (75 per cent) of motorists book their car in for a full service at least once a year, while another 19 per cent do service their cars but less frequently than this.
Some six per cent never put their car through a full service.
The data shows that drivers aged 18 to 24 and members of low income households are least likely to have their cars serviced, despite these groups typically owning older cars that are more likely to suffer major mechanical issues.
The AA also found that some drivers are entirely reliant on the annual roadworthiness check to ensure their cars are safe and fit to use
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