New DVSA alert as a quarter are 'late' and 'risk £1,000 fine'

Nearly a quarter of drivers who hadn't registered for the MOT reminder service brought their vehicle in late for testing between May 2024 and April 2025, according to figures released on Tuesday. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)'s MOT reminder service enables drivers to receive complimentary alerts via email or text message 30 days before their MOT is due.

Throughout the years, it said, the reminders had fulfilled a crucial function in assisting drivers to maintain their vehicles in roadworthy condition and, since launching in 2017, six million people have enrolled. The DVSA said the service had also proved "hugely effective" since its introduction in prompting drivers to attend their vehicle's MOT appointment punctually.

Among drivers not registered for the MOT reminder service, nearly a quarter (24.7%) brought their vehicle for MOT testing late between May 2024 and April 2025. In contrast, merely 16.5% of those enrolled in the service were tardy in bringing their vehicle for its MOT.

Grant Thunder, DVSA's MOT Service Manager, said: "DVSA's priority is to help everyone keep their vehicle safe to drive on Britain's roads and regularly carrying out an MOT is crucial in protecting all motorists and road users. Our free MOT reminder service makes it even easier for motorists to ensure they get their MOT done on time.

"Achieving over six million sign-ups to the service is a testament to the faith that motorists put into DVSA's digital services. We're proud to reach this latest milestone, though we're encouraging all drivers to sign up to the free MOT reminder service to help ensure that they never miss an MOT for their car."

The MOT reminder service sends alerts to drivers, either via text message or email, 30 days before their MOT is due. If they haven't yet had their vehicle tested, drivers will receive another reminder two weeks before their car's MOT is due.

To register for the service, individuals can visit gov.uk/mot-reminder and provide the vehicle's number plate along with a mobile phone number or email address.

Between May 2024 and April 2025, 83.5% of motorists who registered for the MOT reminder service presented their vehicle for its MOT on time. In contrast, 16.5% of those registered for the service attended their vehicle's MOT late.

During the same period, 75.3% of motorists who had not registered for the service presented their vehicle for its MOT on time, while 24.7% of those who had not registered were late in taking their vehicle for its MOT.

An MOT checks that a vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

A vehicle must have an MOT by either:

the third anniversary of its registration

the anniversary of its last MOT, if it's over three years old

Certain vehicles require an MOT test after just one year - the MOT fees table can provide further details. Driving without a valid MOT is not only a risk to road safety, but could also result in a fine of up to £1,000.