Image Credit: Image Credit: Francesco Zivoli/UnsplashA report from the RAC has claimed that cash-strapped UK drivers are skipping their MOT, or annual service, and that they aren't replacing worn-out tires on their cars. The report also stated that younger drivers are most likely to delay repairs to their cars.Cars in general seem to be getting more expensive, and keeping them in tip-top condition sometimes isn't cheap. With the cost of insurance and just buying a car in the UK quite high, younger drivers are really suffering, particularly with a tricky job market.The RAC has said that one-in-ten drivers in the UK have been skipping MOTs or have failed to replace worn tires on their cars. This means there is a large number of cars being driven illegally on British roads, as an MOT is something drivers legally have to put their car through once a year.AdvertisementAdvertisementBeing caught driving in a car without an MOT can lead to penalty points on a licence, or perhaps even fines and, in extreme cases, being banned from driving. It is a worrying trend, and it shows how tough it has become for younger people to drive in the UK.Why Drivers Are Skipping MOTs in the UKImage Credit: Stott Hall Farm by Peter McDermott, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia CommonsAccording to the RAC, ten percent of drivers have been driving their cars illegally, either without an MOT or with worn tires. Think of an MOT as an annual service, and if the car passes, it is good for another 12 months on the road. If it fails, then a few things will need addressing before it can be retested.The RAC has said that it is young drivers who are most likely to delay the necessary repairs or tire replacements to their cars on financial grounds. In fact, 25 percent of those under 25 years old are likely to do so. This decreases slightly to 21 percent for those in the 25-44 age group. However, for those aged 65 and older, it is just five percent who skip an MOT and/or tire change.Amongst drivers of all ages, three percent have deliberately avoided their MOT. A further seven percent state they have failed to replace worn tires. This is illegal if the tires fall below the 1.6mm minimum tread. Incredibly, 10,000 drivers received penalty points in the UK in 2025 for driving cars that should not have been on the road. These had all sorts of issues such as defective brakes, worn tires, or steering problems.Drivers Are Worried About Maintenance CostsImage Credit: KRoock74 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia CommonsThe RAC also reported that around a third, 32 percent, of drivers are worried about maintaining their cars due to the costs involved. It is a sharp rise from the 25 percent in 2025, showcasing how big a problem it has become. The rising price of petrol and diesel hasn't helped matters, with the war in Iran having a massive impact on fuel bills across the UK. Drivers are feeling the pinch and having to save costs wherever they can.AdvertisementAdvertisementRAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "It's concerning that so many drivers appear to be risking breaking the law by not having a valid MOT or driving on bald tyres." "With the average repair bill climbing to almost £700, it's little wonder that so many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet," he added. It is, however, important to note that, by delaying the repairs to the cars, the problem could get much, much worse. You could be involved in an accident due to a problem with your car, or you might have to pay a lot more to get it fixed.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.