Overdue MOTs highlight reminder opportunity for garages

6 August 2026  

More than eight million vehicles are being presented for an MOT after their certificate has already expired each year, exposing motorists to fines of up to £1,000 while creating both a safety concern and an opportunity for independent garages to strengthen customer relationships.

New figures from online used car retailer Cinch, based on Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data obtained through a Freedom of Information request, show more than 25.8 million overdue MOT tests were carried out between 2023 and 2025, with a further 2.1 million recorded during the first three months of 2026. Drivers who use a vehicle on the road without a valid MOT could face a fine of up to £1,000, unless travelling to a pre-booked MOT appointment or repair.

The trend is reinforced by booking data from BookMyGarage, which has seen a sharp increase in motorists leaving their MOT booking until after the expiry date. Analysis of more than 350,000 bookings found that almost one in seven drivers booked their MOT after it had already expired, while the proportion booking after the deadline has risen by around 60% year-on-year. At the same time, fewer motorists are arranging their test well in advance, with those booking at least four weeks before expiry falling from 59.3% to 38.1% over the past year.

While the Government already offers motorists an optional MOT reminder service, BookMyGarage’s figures suggest garages could also benefit from reminding customers when their annual test is due. According to the company’s data, motorists who received an MOT reminder were 55% less likely to have an expired MOT when arranging their next test.

Jessica Ruddick, Chief Marketing Officer at BookMyGarage, said the findings represented both a safety concern and a business opportunity.

“There is also a safety implication, but the findings also point to an opportunity for garages to address this in customer communications. MOT reminders sent well in advance of customers’ MOT due dates encourage more timely bookings. Our data shows that motorists who received an MOT reminder were 55% less likely to have an expired MOT when arranging their next test.”

For independent workshops, a simple reminder sent a few weeks before a customer’s MOT anniversary could help improve compliance, encourage repeat business and smooth workshop loading throughout the year.