More than one-in-ten motorists admit to having driven without a valid MOT certificate.

In a survey of 2,000 motorists conducted for Green Flag Motoring Assistance, some 12 per cent said they had risked driving a car that did not have an up-to-date MOT certificate.

The test is a legal requirement for cars aged over three years and driving without a valid MOT certificate carries a maximum fine of £1,000 and possible disqualification.

Green Flag spokesman Nigel Charlesworth said: “It is worrying to see that so many drivers are prepared to risk driving without an MOT. Apart from the potential hefty fine, many motorists could be driving vehicles that are dangerous and unroadworthy.”

September 12 saw 45 years of the MOT test, which was introduced in 1960 to ensure basic safety standards were maintained in vehicles over ten years old. The test now applies to all motor vehicles aged over three years.

Green Flag's research also revealed confusion among motorists over what is and is not tested during an MOT.

While the condition of the spare wheel is not part of the MOT, 80 per cent of drivers thought it was, and 40 per cent assumed that the oil, water and screen wash levels were checked, when in fact they are not.

Almost half the drivers questioned also thought the condition of the battery was checked as part of the MOT, though this is not included.

Nigel Charlesworth added: “The results suggest a misunderstanding among motorists of what the MOT test actually covers, and our concern is that many drivers may assume that elements such as the battery, spare wheel and fluid levels are in order because the car has passed its MOT, when in fact these have gone unchecked.”

The findings also suggested that many drivers relied too heavily on the MOT test as an indication of their car’s roadworthiness, with one-in-five drivers believing that as long as the car had passed its test, it did not need any further maintenance.

Half of female motorists and a quarter of male drivers questioned admitted they did not know where to start when it came to regular vehicle maintenance. Maintenance awareness was lowest among young drivers, with over 70 per cent admitting they were ‘clueless’ when it came to taking care of their cars, compared with less than a quarter of those aged over 55.

The research did highlight some positive steps motorists took when preparing for the MOT test, with almost half (47 per cent) checking their lights before a test, 42 per cent arranging a service and 41 per cent checking their wiper blades and tyre pressure.

However, a quarter of drivers said they made no preparations before sending their car for an MOT.

Nigel Charlesworth concluded: “Many drivers are leaving themselves wide open to common problems such as battery failure, tyre problems and mechanical faults because they are neglecting their vehicles.

“We would urge all drivers to learn how to check their own oil, water, screen wash, tyre pressure and tread depth and getting their car serviced in line with the manufacturer's recommendations.”

l If you’re holidaying in the UK or planning family days out during the autumn half-term, but worried about how your car can safely accommodate everyone and their luggage, Avis Rent-a-Car is offering seven days for the price of five until October 31.

To book, visit www.avis.co.uk, and where prompted enter the Avis Worldwide Discount Number (AWD) W512228 or book by phone on 0870 60 60 100, or visit a local Avis station. If you book online before October 17 you will also receive a free enjoy England Guide worth £11.99.

08/10/05