One in 10 UK motorists think the MOT test is an option

Worrying new research has revealed that one in ten of us – equivalent to 3.4 million UK drivers – aren’t actually aware that MOT test certificates are a legal requirement.

Most of the 2,000 motorists surveyed by Kwik Fit were also clueless about the checks included in an MOT test. This flagged up concerns that they ignore important maintenance checks because they think they’re covered by the MOT. 

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The research shows that 40 per cent of drivers believe an MOT test covers oil checks, whilst 38 per cent expected their battery condition to be sorted out as part of the MOT.

Additionally, around 7 per cent of motorists surveyed have driven without a valid MOT certificate. Meanwhile, 21 per cent said that they attempted to fix faults themselves to try and pass their MOT.

In fact, the MOT test checks the following: vehicle identification number, registration plate, lights, steering, suspension, wipers, windscreen, horn, seatbelts, seats, fuel system, emissions, bodywork, doors, mirrors, brakes, wheels and tyres.

The MOT statistics aren’t the only worrying thing emerging from the Kwik Fit survey either. A total of 9 per cent of motorists didn’t realise car insurance was compulsory and 10 per cent said the same about valid tax discs. 

Annual car servicing was considered compulsory by 20 per cent, 46 per cent believed it was law to carry a spare tyre in the UK, whilst 18 per cent believed it was a requirement to carry an emergency warning triangle.