The DVSA has warned drivers that they could be liable for fines of up to £2,500 for a simple mistake. (Image: Getty)
Motorists have been warned by the that over a quarter of Brits through the post if they forget to in time.
, which all road-going vehicles aged between three and 40 must take every year. However, they are necessary to keep a vehicle on the road.
Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Van Leasing, noted that are common across many vehicles, with commercial models like vans and trucks having the highest failure rate.
He explained: “It’s eye-opening to see much higher rates of for vans compared with typical passenger vehicles, and our stats highlight the need for improved standards.
“By their very nature, light commercial vehicles need to work hard for the businesses they serve and must stand up to the rigours of constant use. With all that in mind, it’s vital vans are either maintained to high standards or replaced when age catches up with them.”
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Drivers must never use a vehicle on the public road that does not have a valid MOT certificate. (Image: Getty)
Whether a vehicle has failed a recent MOT or its current inspection result has expired, it is illegal to drive or even park a car or van on a public road if it has not passed a successful test.
Drivers caught with a vehicle without a valid MOT could receive a fine of up to £1,000; however, if the vehicle has a dangerous defect, this figure could easily rise to £2,500.
Motorists could face penalties when using a dangerous vehicle without an MOT, including three points on their licence, an insurance invalidation, and even a driving ban.
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Drivers should book their test early and correct faults as soon as possible to avoid fines. (Image: Getty)
As a result, the DVSA has advised all motorists to make sure they book their vehicle’s next MOT with plenty of time to spare to eliminate the risk of garages being too busy to inspect it before the current test expires.
Ahead of the test, drivers should also inspect the vehicle for the most common causes of failure, such as faulty lights, issues with the suspension, and worn braking components.
The DVSA highlighted that nearly 27% of motorists fail their MOT each year – a figure that rises to 36% for commercial vehicle drivers.
Graham also suggested that drivers who are proactive when it comes to repairing faults typically have a higher chance of passing their next MOT.
He advised: “I’d urge all business owners or van drivers to pay close attention to potential problems as soon as they arise – such as poor handling or the vehicle pulling to one side when the brakes are deployed – rather than waiting for the issues to be highlighted during the annual MOT check.
“In particular, faulty brakes and tyres can significantly increase the risks of accidents and injury.”