Embargoed to 0001 Tuesday August 24

BUSY DRIVERS `FORGET TO RENEW MoT'

By Peter Woodman, Transport Correspondent, PA News

One in six motorists drives without a valid MoT certificate, it was revealed today.

And half of those who carry on without renewing their MoT do so for more than a month, research from car care company motoreasy found.

The findings come as Government agencies consider plans to hold all car data information centrally in order to be able to send out reminders about MoT tests being due.

The motoreasy survey also found:

:: 17% of motorists rely on another family member to remind them to visit their garage for an MoT.

:: 12% stick reminders on their windscreen.

:: 8% mark the date in their diary.

:: 7% have an efficient filing system.

:: Women were more likely to link their MoT date with an annual event such as a birthday (16%), whereas 14% of men said they did not need reminding as they "just remembered".

"With people juggling their lives, it's hardly surprising so many motorists, who generally are otherwise law-abiding and honest, are a little preoccupied and the MoT slips the mind," said motoreasy managing director David Gerrans.

end Tweet