Drivers forgetting these simple tasks could be fined thousands

UK motorists could be risking costly penalties by forgetting to complete routine motoring admin, with new research revealing one in three drivers have missed at least one essential task.

New research from Quotezone.co.uk found 34% of motorists admitted they have forgotten to complete important admin on time, such as renewing an MOT, paying vehicle tax or renewing their insurance.

The most commonly forgotten task was booking or renewing an MOT, with 13% of drivers admitting they had missed the deadline. While it can be an easy mistake to make, driving on public roads without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and invalidate car insurance, leaving the driver unprotected.*

With vehicle tax, 6% of respondents admitted they had forgotten to pay on time. Drivers caught using an untaxed vehicle can face an £80 Late Licensing Penalty, however if prosecuted, fines can reach up to £1,000.**

Worryingly, 5% of drivers also said they had forgotten to renew their car insurance. Driving without valid insurance carries a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points – if the offence goes to court, it can lead to unlimited fines and even disqualification from driving.***

A further 4% admitted they had failed to update their driving licence or V5C after changing their details or moving home, while 2% had forgotten to renew their driving licence. All three oversights can result in fines of up to £1,000.****

The findings come as the Government prepares to introduce digital driving licences through the GOV.UK Wallet later this year, designed to make it easier for motorists to carry and access their licence digitally.*****

However, motorists remain divided over the plans. More than half (55%) said they would not be keen to use a digital driving licence, compared with 42% who welcomed the idea.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “A lot of drivers are juggling busy lives, so it’s understandable that routine admin can occasionally slip through the cracks. However, forgetting some of these essential motoring tasks can prove to be an expensive oversight.

“Something as simple as missing an MOT, forgetting to tax your vehicle or failing to update your address after moving house could leave drivers facing fines of up to £1,000.

“It’s also important not to assume your car insurance will automatically renew. While some policies are set to auto-renew , this isn’t universal and can mean drivers miss out on the chance to shop for savings each year. Drivers should always double-check their documents to make sure they know when their cover is due to end – taking advance of the window 15-24 days before the new start date, when prices are most competitive.

“Another thing worth remembering is that updating your driving licence doesn’t automatically update your V5C log book – they’re separate records and both need to be kept up to date.

“While reminder letters and emails can be helpful, motorists shouldn’t just rely on them. If your details aren’t current, notifications could end up being sent to an old address, making it much easier to miss important deadlines.

“Setting calendar reminders for MOTs, insurance renewals, vehicle tax and driving licence renewals is a simple way to stay on top of these legal obligations and avoid unnecessary penalties.”

Six costly motoring tasks drivers should never forget to complete on time:

Renewing your MOT

Most vehicles over three years old require an annual MOT. Driving on public roads without a valid MOT, unless travelling to a pre-booked test, can result in a fine of up to £1,000.*

Paying your vehicle tax

Even if you don’t receive a reminder, you’re still responsible for ensuring your vehicle is taxed. Using an untaxed vehicle can result in an £80 Late Licensing Penalty (reduced to £40 if paid promptly), with court fines of up to £1,000 in more serious cases, or five times the amount of tax chargeable, whichever is greater.**

Renewing your car insurance

It is illegal to drive without valid insurance. While many policies renew automatically, this isn’t always the case. Driving uninsured can result in a £300 fixed penalty, six penalty points, and potentially an unlimited fine.***

Updating your driving licence details

If you change your name or move home, you must notify the DVLA and update your driving licence. Failing to keep your details up to date can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and even invalidate your car insurance.****

Updating the address on your V5C log book

Updating your driving licence does not automatically update your V5C. The two documents are separate, and failing to notify the DVLA of your new address on your V5C can also result in a fine of up to £1,000.****

Renewing your driving licence

Photocard driving licences need to be renewed periodically. Driving with an invalid licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000, so it’s important to check your licence expiry date before it lapses.****

Quotezone helps over 4 million customers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products such as van, truck and car insurance. 

References:
*https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot
**https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vehicle-enforcement-policy/dvla-enforcement-of-vehicle-tax-registration-and-insurance-offences
***https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-without-insurance
****https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence / https://www.gov.uk/government/news/motorists-reminded-of-the-importance-in-renewing-their-photocard-driving-licences
*****https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/21/making-the-governments-first-digital-wallet-a-reality/

Photo credit – iStock.com FG Trade Latin

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.