Drivers who disregard MOT advisory notices are at increased risk of breakdowns and accidents, according to new research

August 2025

Drivers who disregard MOT advisory notices are at increased risk of breakdowns and accidents, according to new research: A recent survey has revealed that 1 in 6 (17%)* drivers who had recently had an MOT examination and received one or more MOT advisory notices opted not to address these issues promptly. Consequently, they went on to suffer a vehicle breakdown or were involved in a collision as a result of their vehicle's defects.

The research, conducted by the RAC, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,140 drivers between May 23 and June 1st, 2025; all of whom had recently undergone an MOT examination. Findings revealed that while six out of ten (60%) drivers whose vehicles received advisories had either resolved all highlighted issues or planned to do so shortly, a notable proportion (39%) admitted their intention to ignore certain suggested repairs.

According to the RAC Mobile Mechanics survey, the most frequently reported MOT advisories include tyre wear and quality (42%), brake pads and discs (34%) and suspension problems (22%). Failure to address these advisories promptly may lead to serious consequences for both drivers of the affected vehicles and other road users.

Furthermore, the RAC research highlights that the most recent government statistics indicate that defective vehicles contributed to 1,350 road collisions in 2023, marking the highest incidence in five years. And in those instances where vehicle defects were implicated, 36 resulted in one or more fatalities, also the highest figure since 2018. 

Additionally, although no official government statistics exist regarding the frequency of breakdowns on UK roads, incidents such as tyre blowouts, brake failure, and steering malfunctions pose a significant risk of sudden collisions with other vehicles; all of which, according to the RAC, further illustrates the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and adhering to MOT advisories to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and collisions, and improve road safety.

*The 17% of nationally representative survey respondents who ignore some or all advisories equate to an estimated 6 million individuals, based on the 42.6 million holders of full driving licenses in Great Britain.