RAC warns against MOT ‘advisory apathy’

One-in-six drivers who ignore MOT advisories suffer a breakdown, or worse, according to new RAC research based on cars that had recently taken the annual roadworthiness test.

In other words, an estimated six million motorists went on to experience a vehicle breakdown or were involved in a collision as a result.

Of the 1,460 drivers who had their vehicle recently MOTd, 44% said the test resulted in one or more advisory notices being given.

These notices are early warning signs that could result in a future MOT failure – and not addressing them promptly could lead to a vehicle being unsafe and unfit for the road. Examples include tyres being close to the legal limit, brake pads being almost completely worn out, and minor (for now) oil leaks.

While a majority of drivers whose vehicles were given MOT advisories (60%) said they had either already dealt with all the issues flagged, or planned to before the next test, a substantial four-in-10 (39%) don’t plan to get all of the problems resolved.

And, of all those that weren’t issued with any advisories at their most recent MOT, as many as a fifth (22%) admitted to ignoring such notices in the past.

By running the gauntlet and not acting on MOT advisories, drivers are at risk of knowingly getting behind the wheel of an unroadworthy vehicle. This is not only dangerous, but it can result in a fine and penalty points if caught – and invalidate motor insurance cover.

Of those respondents whose vehicles were issued with MOT advisory notices last time around, more than a third (36%) got the issues dealt with at the garage before they collected their cars. But the remainder – 64% – delayed the necessary repairs, with one-in-10 (11%) leaving it until more than a month after the MOT in question.

The latest Government data shows that vehicle defects were a factor in 1,350 collisions in 2023 – the highest number in five years.** Of these, 36 collisions involved one or more fatality, again the highest figure since 2018.

“The MOT is an annual occurrence for millions of drivers up and down the country, and serves as a vital check on a vehicle’s roadworthiness,” said RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender.

“While we all dread a failure, any advisories demand attention because they mean the vehicle isn’t in the best of health. Unfortunately, our research suggests there’s a lot of troubling ‘advisory apathy’ among drivers.”