MOT forgotten by a quarter of motorists

- 2nd April 2009

Almost a quarter of motorists have forgotten to renew their MOT, leaving them at risk of a fine and invalidated car insurance.

Research from Kwik-Fit finds more than six million motorists have failed to get their annual car service on time, with many saying they forgot the renewal date.

In addition, one in five drivers have had their MOT overdue for more than a month, which also means they are not able to renew their road tax – potentially leading to further fines.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, says: "Forgetting to MOT your car may seem like a minor oversight but it's a widespread problem that can have serious consequences."

He adds that March is the busiest month for the tests, so the problem may become exacerbated over the coming months.

Recent changes to MOTs to ban reflective number plates, suggested by the Department for Transport, could mean up to 3.7 million motorists fail their test.

Insurance firm Esure predicts one in ten drivers will now fail due to having the plates, which are used to stop detection from speed cameras.