Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to consumer surveys that indicate a significant number of drivers inadvertently forget to arrange an annual test of vehicle safety for a vehicle, and in the context of the availability of the GOV.UK MOT reminder service, if he will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on introducing additional measures so that drivers are encouraged to check their MOT certificate remains valid and in-date.

The MOT ensures a vehicle meets the minimum safety standard at a point in time. However, it is vital that the vehicle should be maintained throughout the year to avoid becoming defective and unroadworthy.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has relaunched the ‘MOT reminder service’ to make it easier for users to manage their subscriptions and change the vehicles they want a reminder for.

Motorists can also use the ‘MOT history service’ (www.gov.uk/check-mot-history), for all categories of vehicle, to check if the vehicle has a current MOT, when the next MOT is due, and see any defects or advisories listed against the vehicle.

The DVSA also provides a ‘bulk data service’ (https://dvsa.github.io/mot-history-api-documentation/), which is used by over 700 companies. The service enables companies to download the MOT history data and create their own reminder services, producing a collaborative approach to improve compliance and vehicle safety awareness.