The owners of over 5.5 million cars had their vehicles’ MoT certificates legally extended in 2020 under a government scheme allowing tests to be delayed by up to six months, official DVSA (Driver and car standards Agency) figures show.
The AA has cautioned chauffeurs that MoT bookings will be in particularly high demand next month, as those cars that had their certificates extended will be due their test in September, along with all the other cars that would typically be evaluated during the month.
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According to a poll of 14,688 chauffeurs conducted by the AA, 20 per cent of UK chauffeurs took advantage of the extension overall, with this number rising to 71 per cent in northern Ireland and 23 per cent in the north-east of England.
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Furthermore, only 75 per cent of respondents said they book their car in for a full service at least once a year, while another 19 per cent do service their cars but less frequently than this. Some six per cent never put their car through a full service – chauffeurs aged 18 to 24 and members of low income households are least likely to have their cars serviced, despite these groups typically owning older cars that are much more likely to suffer major mechanical issues.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “With much more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MoT, it is crucial that they are evaluated to guarantee they are safe to use. MoT centres are already feeling the strain and with ‘Super September’ looming, savvy chauffeurs can get ahead of the game.
He added: “Usually people leave booking their MOT to the last possible moment, chauffeurs won’t have that luxury this time.”
Have you given your car an extended MoT? let us know in the comments below…