New industry data suggests that over 1.2 million vehicles are currently operating on UK roads without a valid MOT, with financial pressures and generational habits creating a dangerous gap in vehicle compliance.
According to fresh research released by Halfords, the cost-of-living crisis is having a tangible impact on safety, creating a “false economy” that risks leaving critical faults undetected.
The survey indicates that three per cent of all motorists have skipped their MOT in the past year.
When extrapolated across the national car parc, this equates to roughly 1.2 million vehicles potentially driving illegally.
The findings point to a concerning shift in customer behaviour, particularly among younger demographics who appear increasingly reluctant to visit the workshop.
A stark generational divide has emerged in the data, with Generation Z drivers significantly more likely to avoid the test than their older counterparts.
Six per cent of motorists in this age bracket admitted to skipping an MOT in the last 12 months, double the national average.
When asked if they had ever missed a test, the figure for young drivers rose to eight per cent, compared to just two per cent of Baby Boomers.
While some non-compliance is attributed to administrative oversight, a significant portion is driven by financial anxiety.
The research paints a picture of motorists who are terrified of what the tester might find, with 69 per cent of those surveyed stating they were worried about unexpected repair bills.
Over a quarter admitted they deliberately skipped the test purely to save the cost of the fee, while half cited the wider cost-of-living crisis as a contributing factor.
However, not every missed MOT is intentional.
More than a third of drivers who missed their deadline claimed they simply forgot the date, reinforcing the vital importance of robust reminder systems for workshops.
