According to new data from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, there could be as many as 5.2 million vehicles on roads across Britain that are without a valid MOT certificate.

The FOI from Select Car Leasing also showed that over 360,000 cars were also given new MOT documents more than a year after their previous test results had expired. This includes vehicles at car dealerships that are held as stock and would only get a go through the MOT test if they were to be sold.

Graham Conway, the managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: “MOTs are essential for ensuring that cars on the road are safe and roadworthy. Common reasons for failing an MOT include issues with lights and signals, suspension and brakes.

“Not presenting a vehicle for an MOT on time might mean that crucial safety concerns are overlooked.”

Data requested from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) showed that around a third of the 5.2 million cars were retested for an MOT a month after expiring.

Further analysis revealed that 3.4 million of them were retested within three months.

The DVSA announced changes to the MOT process that are impacting millions of drivers across Britain. From May this year, drivers whose vehicles have successfully passed their MOT will now digitally receive the results, rather than a piece of paper. This change was made in part for environmental reasons, but also to help adapt to a ‘digital-first’ approach by the Government towards important documentation.

Previously, vehicle owners would receive a physical paper summary after their MOT test, detailing what had passed or failed.

As a result, it will be easier for drivers to keep track of their MOTs, and any advisories that they may need to deal with in the year after the test.

Drivers can now access all of their MOT certificates online through the DVSA.