The MOT station 42 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2025 One-in-five drivers (20%) under the age of 44 have driven illegally by not putting their car through the MOT or replacing tyres when needed to save money in the cost-of-living crisis, new analysis has revealed. Among drivers of all ages, 10% admit they have failed to replace worn-out tyres or skipped the MOT, according to data from the RAC. And a fifth (19%) of those surveyed for the RAC’s annual ‘Report on Motoring’ said they have tried to save money by delaying necessary repairs, or either reduced or stopped servicing their vehicles altogether due to cost. The proportion of drivers delaying maintenance is significantly higher among those under the age of 25, with more than a third (36%) in this bracket saying they have ignored repairs and let servicing slide. Some have clearly deemed it a risk worth taking, as three-quarters of motorists (74%) said the cost of servicing their car had increased in 2024, up 5% on the 69% who said the same in 2023. But the RAC warned that failing to carry out routine maintenance and repairs to save money could also prove to be a false economy. The report also found that 50% of under-25s said they would struggle to meet a repair bill of £500, compared with just 25% of drivers aged 65 or older. RAC breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Safety on our roads is paramount. The MOT is a legal requirement for good reason: skipping it jeopardises the safety of all road users, including the driver.” The research was based on nationally representative responses from an effective sample size of nearly 2,000 drivers. Only those with a full, current UK driving licence and driving at least once a month, with a motor vehicle in their household, took part. Campaign to lift ‘stagnant’ MOT price cap for garages Garage industry leaders have pledged a new-year push urging the government to resolve the “stagnant” MOT price cap that they say is piling economic pressure onto the sector. The Independent Garage Association said the MOT fee cap, which has remained unchanged for more than 14 years, is causing significant financial strain to the garage sector. This has been aggravated by rising inflation and additional cost burdens introduced in the last 14 years, including the recent autumn budget. The IGA has now called for a meeting with government officials to set out a plan for tackling the issues raised. Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, said: “MOT tests are an essential tool for maintaining vehicle safety and ensuring air quality, as they check vital safety components and monitor exhaust emissions. “However, the financial pressures on some garages are increasingly jeopardising their ability to prioritise this vital service. “Some independent garages are having to look closely at maximising their return from their garage facility to address rising costs whilst the MOT fee has staggeringly remained frozen since 2010. This situation for some businesses is increasingly becoming unsustainable.” If the MOT fee remains unchanged, some garages will be forced to shift focus to other areas of their business to mitigate against rising costs, the IGA warned. “Such a move could have serious consequences for consumers, road safety and the wider economy.” James said he has already raised concerns with ministers, adding: “The IGA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that our members can continue to operate their businesses in a fair environment, whilst still being able to provide this essential service, ensuring that UK roads remain some of the safest to use in the world.” Motorists ‘avoiding test to cut costs’ If the fee remains unchanged, some garages will be forced to shift focus
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