DVSA issues urgent MOT warning which will affect every UK driver

24 May 2024 , 16:07

821     0

New MOT rules are now in force (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The DVSA has issued a fresh MOT test warning to all UK drivers, just weeks after new rule changes were implemented.

The DVSA is urging motorists not to leave it until the "last minute" to book their garage check in a significant call to action. They have reminded drivers that there's "no need to wait", as MOT certificates can be renewed up to a month before the expiry date. This important reminder was shared on social media channel X earlier this week.

The post read: "You can take your car for its MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out. You'll still keep the same renewal date for the following year. So there's no need to wait until the last minute!" This latest warning follows new data from the Department for Transport which revealed the extent of MOT failures across the UK, reports the Express.

The figures showed that a staggering 2,043,794 vehicles failed the check last year. This message comes just weeks after the DVSA introduced a new MOT rule change that will affect certain drivers. From April 29, the DVSA ceased printing MOT pass certificates for HGV owners, moving towards a digital-first approach.

While fail certificates will continue to be printed as usual, pass details will now only be accessible online through a portal available 24/7. Drivers will still receive physical certificates if needed, for example for those without internet connectivity. This decision affects only HGV owners initially, but it is believed that the scheme will broaden its span.

'My neighbours parked on my drive so I blocked them in - now they're furious'

The DVSA announced: "Now that digital certificates are available, from April 29 this year we are going to stop printing MOT pass certificates, by default, at the time of the test. In most cases, you won't need the physical piece of paper and I'd encourage you to view the vehicle's record on MOT history instead ensuring the details on the certificate are correct and check for any advisory items."

Still, the rule modification has sparked outrage among motorists, with a new Express poll detailing the extent of the opposition. A whopping 87.7 percent of those polled expressed total disagreement with the concept. Only a mere 9.8 percent of the survey crowd admitted liking the idea, whilst 2.5 percent remained undecided.

Rom Preston-Ellis