Drivers and fleets could struggle to find MOT test slots for the end of October and through November due to legacy covid deferrals.

AA Prestige has warned fleets and drivers to book MOT slots early to avoid disappointment

SMR specialist Prestige Fleet Servicing, part of the AA since 2019, has warned that MOT centres will be maxed out over coming weeks. It’s the result of both the spread of new vehicle registrations and the aftermath of the six-month MOT exemption during the coronavirus outbreak.

It’s warned drivers and businesses to book early to avoid disappointment; AA Prestige allows bookings up to 90 days in advance to minimise fleet downtime and help manage maintenance budgets.

A poll by AA Prestige Fleet Servicing found that a quarter (24%) of drivers don’t carry out any checks on their vehicle at all prior to the MOT. Around a third (36%) of drivers check the basics such as tyres and lights while only one in 10 (12%) say they give their vehicle a thorough investigation before handing the keys to the MOT centre.

Recent DVSA data shows that 28% of all cars and vans fail their MOT, while the failure rate for Class 7 vehicles sits at 36%.

Yet many MOT failures are for simple-to-spot issues such as tyres and bulbs, which can be easily rectified before submitting the vehicle, keeping the cost of the test and repairs down, while also helping centres plan and test vehicles submitted to them.

James Hosking, managing director for AA Prestige, said: “The number of MOTs due this November is going to be incredibly high, so drivers should book early to avoid disappointment.

“With MOT centres already starting to fill their diaries for the coming weeks, the peak is set to hit throughout November as drivers were able to defer their MOT by six months during the pandemic.

“Vehicles on the roads are getting older, so it’s more important than ever to regularly check them throughout the year, and not just before its MOT. Keeping an eye on tyres and bulbs takes five minutes but can save against a costly repair bill and spread the cost of vehicle maintenance across the year.”