More than one million vehicles are likely being driven illegally on UK roads without a valid MOT, new research suggests. Alarmingly, Gen Z drivers are four times more likely to neglect an MOT than older generations.

These figures were released this week by Halfords, indicating that three per cent of motorists confess to having bypassed their MOT in the past year. Given that MOTs are annual, this implies that around 1.2 million vehicles are currently on the road without an MOT.

Halfords cites Department for Transport data showing that there are presently 42.3 million registered vehicles on UK roads. With the new study revealing that 5% admit to previously skipping their MOT and 59% of those confessing they missed it in the last year, it’s feasible that 1,247,850 vehicles may not have had an MOT in the past 12 months.

Gen Z drivers are ‘four times more likely’ to skip MOTs

The study revealed a concerning trend among younger drivers – six per cent stated they had skipped an MOT in the past year, double the national average. In fact, eight per cent of Gen Z confessed to ever skipping an MOT – compared to three per cent of Gen X and two per cent of baby boomers, despite having been driving for significantly less time.

The study also revealed that men are more than twice as likely as women to have ever missed an MOT (7% vs 3%). Furthermore, those residing in London were found to be three times more likely to have skipped an MOT in the past year compared to the national average (10% vs 3%).

So, why do drivers neglect their MOT?

Motorists cite a range of reasons for missing an MOT. Over a third who did so (36%) admitted they simply forgot it was due.

However, over a quarter (27%) intentionally avoided it due to the cost of the MOT itself. An additional quarter (25%) opted out because of general motoring costs.

The broader cost of living seems to play a role – with 61% of Britons reporting an increase in living expenses, the situation could potentially worsen. This could also exacerbate the issue – over four in ten (42%) drivers expressed concern about affording their next MOT.

Among these, 69% voiced worries about unexpected repair costs that might crop up during an MOT and 50% were anxious about affording it given the escalating cost of living. It’s worth noting that MOTs are a yearly legal obligation to ensure vehicles adhere to safety and environmental standards.

Vehicles operating without a valid MOT certificate pose serious safety risks, endangering drivers, passengers and fellow motorists alike. Driving without an MOT can result in penalties of up to £1,000, accumulation of six penalty points on a driving licence, and can render motor insurance void.

Andy Turbefield, motoring specialist at Halfords, said: “Many people are feeling the squeeze financially, but skipping your MOT is a false economy. It can actually lead to greater financial burden if you get fined and if you were to crash your vehicle and a lack of an MOT invalidates your insurance, you could be out of pocket for far more.

“MOT failures are often a result of low-cost issues such as a blown bulb or even low screenwash. At Halfords we offer those who sign up to our free Motoring Club a complimentary 10-point car check, which can help identify any issues ahead of an MOT, as well as offering £5 off their MOT itself. Meanwhile the premium membership – which costs £54 – includes a free MOT as well as £10 and £130 of savings, all of which goes a small way to making motoring that bit more affordable.”

The study was carried out by Mortar on January 13 and 14, 2026, surveying 2,015 British motorists.