Kwik-Fit Sets Monthly MoT Test Record

September was a record month for MoT tests at Kwik-Fit. During this period the fast-fitter examined a total of 60,000 cars at its UK service centres during, a larger number of monthly MoT tests than at any other time in the company’s history. The company says this ability to examine so many cars for the national roadworthiness test is the result of sustained investment in the provision of servicing and MoT testing, including the installation of additional MoT testing bays.

Yet while Kwik-Fit has reached new MoT heights, statistics the company has released to mark the occasion provide no cause for celebration. It appears that, for too many of us, the absence of a valid MoT is no hindrance to continued driving – and men are the worst offenders. The fast-fit company says no less than eight per cent of males would drive a car without an MoT, double the percentage of potential female transgressors. In total, Kwik-Fit’s figures indicate that 2.6 million motorists would regularly drive their cars even with the knowledge it didn’t have an MoT. Of these, 1.6 million feel justified in making short trips and the other one million would be happy to drive any distance.

“It’s worrying to see so many motorists being blasé about their car’s MoT,” said Kwik-Fit chief executive Ian Fraser. “As 35 per cent of cars fail their MoT, there are millions of cars on the road that are likely to be unroadworthy and could pose a serious danger to the owner, their passengers and other road users.

“Not only could driving without an MoT affect your insurance cover but if you’re prosecuted for this offence premiums rise on average by 43 per cent,” Fraser added. “Motorists who think they are in danger of forgetting their MoT renewal date should consider using our free reminder service. This has been very popular with motorists and avoids taking the risk of driving an illegal and potentially unsafe car.”

Motorists in North England and the Midlands receive a gold star for adhering to the law, with only four per cent prepared to drive a car sans MoT. This figure rises to seven per cent in the South East, and six per cent for Scotland, Wales and the South West. To help drivers in all regions avoid becoming an MoT statistic, Kwik-Fit offers an e-mail reminder service. Drivers can register by sending an email with their name, vehicle registration number and MoT renewal date to remindme@kwik-fit.com.