The most testing month for UK drivers

This September will see more cars needing a new MoT than any other month in history, according to Kwik-Fit analysis released today, with an expected 2.5 million cars undergoing their annual inspection.

The number of vehicles licensed on British roads has risen every year for the last 20 years, and with 29 million cars across the country, there are more cars over three years old than ever before.
 
With more MoT centres across the country than any other company, Kwik-Fit is urging motorists to book early to avoid both disappointment and the risk of a fine of up to £1000 for driving without an MoT. In addition, having no MoT may invalidate a driver’s insurance.

With MoT appointments across the country in greater demand this month than ever before, Kwik-Fit’s research reveals that many motorists could be at risk of driving illegally.  The company’s research shows that less than half of all motorists know when their certificate expires and book early**. This means that a staggering 1.4 million are in danger of missing their September MoT deadline, as they may not be able to find an available appointment at short notice.

Ian Fraser, chief executive of Kwik-Fit, says: “As we get closer to September, we are seeing more and more MoTs booked up. As the UK’s largest MoT provider we have more appointment slots than any other company, but nevertheless, we encourage motorists to book early to secure their desired date and time.”

“The MoT is a test of a car’s roadworthiness – after the car’s third birthday, it needs to be MoT tested every year. Having no MoT could be putting the driver and passengers of that car in very real danger.

“If drivers don’t know when their MoT is due, we would advise them to check their certificate now to be sure – and it’s perhaps worth remembering that statistically, it is most likely to be September.”

September is the month in which more cars’ MoTs fall due than at any other time of the year, and the next month will see 420,000 cars tested for the first time, following the peak in new car sales in 2007.

Kwik-Fit has over 500 MoT Centres across the UK and appointments can be booked online at kwik-fit.com.