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Motorists have been warned that as many as one in six road users and drivers ignore MOT advisories, leading to vehicle breakdowns or crashes that force drivers off the roads for some time. The RAC commissioned a poll, emphasising that it is “vital for drivers to keep a close eye” on any issues raised during the MOT test, as a vehicle with major problems will fail the examination.
Drivers often receive a list of advisories for minor issues that are not immediately necessary to resolve. According to the survey of 1,460 drivers who had their vehicles through an MOT in the past year, 44% reported receiving one or more advisories.
However, 54% of these respondents did not act on the warnings. Alarmingly, 17% of this group later experienced a vehicle breakdown or collision as a result. The survey highlights the number of drivers who knowingly operate unroadworthy vehicles. This not only poses a danger to public safety but can also result in a £2,500 fine and three penalty points if caught.
Additionally, driving an unroadworthy vehicle can invalidate motor insurance coverage. Nick Mullender, the mobile servicing and repairs team leader at the RAC, stated, “The MOT is an annual occurrence for millions of drivers across the country, serving as a crucial check on a vehicle’s roadworthiness.
“While none of us enjoy the prospect of a failure, any advisories require attention because they indicate that the vehicle isn’t in optimal condition. Unfortunately, our research suggests there is a concerning level of ‘advisory apathy’ among drivers.”
The most common MOT advisories reported by drivers in the RAC Mobile Mechanics survey over the past year included issues related to tyre wear (42%), brake pads or discs (34%), suspension (22%), lights (16%), and corrosion (14%). While checking tyre wear and lights is relatively straightforward, other issues can escalate into much larger and more expensive problems if left unaddressed.
Of those respondents who received MOT advisories, more than a third (36%) took care of the issues at the garage before collecting their vehicles. However, 64% delayed the necessary repairs, with 11% waiting more than a month after the MOT inspection to address the problems.
Government data indicates that vehicle defects contributed to 1,350 collisions in 2023, with 36 of those incidents resulting in at least one fatality. Mullender recommended, “Advisories indicate the potential for a vehicle to become unroadworthy within weeks or even months, depending on the issue and how frequently the vehicle is used.
“It is crucial for drivers to monitor any flagged items closely. We recommend removing guesswork altogether. In addition to regular home checks, it is important to have vehicles serviced at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.” These advisories can be viewed as minor issues that could escalate into more significant problems before the next MOT.
The MOT examiner will explain these issues and provide guidance on the best course of action. Although you are legally permitted to drive with these advisories, it is essential not to ignore them, as they could lead to a future MOT failure or a serious accident if the fault gets worse.
