Worrying numbers of motorists believe MOTs, tax discs and insurance are optional, shocking new research has revealed.
According to the Kwik Fit study, 9% of drivers think MOTs for vehicles more than three years old are optional, with 10% and 9% respectively believing tax discs and motor insurance are not compulsory.
One in five also claim an annual service is a legal requirement – meaning potentially millions of drivers on UK roads are unaware of motoring basics.
The research also uncovered confusion amongst motorists as to what checks are included in an MOT.
“This widespread confusion amongst motorists is alarming and raises real concerns over driver safety and compliance with the law.”
Roger Griggs, Kwik Fit
Around 40% of motorists said they expected their car’s oil levels to be checked as part of an MOT and 38% expected their battery condition to be assessed.
The same applied to air filters (30%), brake fluid (58%) and even cleanliness (5%).
Roger Griggs, Director of Communications at Kwik Fit, said: “This widespread confusion amongst motorists is alarming and raises real concerns over driver safety and compliance with the law.
“It’s vital that car owners don’t rely entirely on an MOT test for vehicle maintenance, as servicing is a fundamental part of maintaining both the safety and value of a vehicle, even though it isn’t a legal requirement.
“Our advice to motorists is to make sure they get the basics right, which include insurance, MOT, servicing and tax, as these are essential for keeping a vehicle safe and legal.”
Of those questioned, 7% – equivalent to 2.6 million motorists – admitted to having driven without a valid MOT certificate in the past.
One in five even claimed they had attempted to try and fix vehicle faults and damages themselves to ensure their car would pass its MOT test.
