A third of motorists admit to driving without a valid MOT!
40 percent of drivers in the South West have driven a car without a valid MOT.
The research has been carried out in partnership with car manufacturers and their dealer networks throughout the UK, including Jaybee Motors in Banbury, as part of the industry's 'Minute Or Two' initiative, which encourages motorists to carry out 10 simple visual checks of their vehicle prior to the MOT test. By driving without an MOT, motorists risk fines of up to £1,000, as well as potentially invalidating their motor insurance, which itself counts as a driving offence carrying between six to eight penalty points. Cars older than three years also require a valid MOT before they can be taxed, with further fines for motorists who drive an untaxed car.
The research suggests men are more likely to continue driving after their MOT has lapsed - 35% of all male drivers say they have done so, versus 31% of female drivers. There are significant regional differences in the findings, with 40 percent of motorists in the South West having driven without a valid MOT. The East Midlands topped the table for remembering to carry out a car's MOT, with just 15% of motorists in the region saying they had previously forgotten. At the opposite end of the spectrum, drivers in the South West were most likely to drive without an MOT, with 41% admitting to the lapse. The data also suggests that younger motorists are worst at remembering the test date, with 39% of drivers aged 18-24 saying they have continued to drive after the MOT had expired. The most diligent motorists were 45-54 year-olds, with only 28% saying the same. To help motorists remember to have their car tested each year; Jaybee Motors are urging car owners to use the free MOT service reminder launched in partnership with the Trading Standards-approved garage network, Motor Codes.
Available at www.passmymot.co.uk, the service will send motorists a reminder every year before their car's annual test of roadworthiness is due. The 'Minute Or Two' scheme is backed by every major car maker in the UK, with technicians at more than 5,500 manufacturer main dealerships committed to carry out a free 10-point pre-MOT visual inspection to help the vehicle avoid failing its test due to simple-to-fix issues.
The full 'Minute Or Two' checklist (also at www.passmymot.co.uk), includes checks of headlights, tyres, windscreen wipers and fluid levels.
Jaybee Motors is one of the manufacturer main dealers recommended by Renault, Dacia, Fiat and MG Motor, and all its MOT and service work is carried out by manufacturer-trained technicians using the highest-quality diagnostic equipment and fully-approved parts appropriate to each specific vehicle.
Using a manufacturer main dealer, such as Jaybee Motors, also assures the customer that any required software updates will be carried out to keep the car running at its best. "Each year, a significant proportion of motorists forget their car's MOT, risking safety, fines and penalty points," explains John Dauphin, of Jaybee Motors. "When visiting Jaybee Motors, motorists can be sure of the most highly-trained technicians, using the parts manufacturers recommend along with the best diagnostic equipment. "By carrying out free pre-MOT checks, along with an MOT reminder service run by Motor Codes, we are helping drivers to avoid basic MOT test fails by spotting simple-to-fix problems before the MOT lapses."
For more information on getting a free pre-MOT check, visit Jaybee Motors on Oxford Road, Bodicote, Banbury, or call 01295 227100
