MOT fail: Drivers wrongly believe test pass guarantees safety

Almost half of drivers think an MOT guarantees their car’s safety for a whole year, worrying new research has revealed.

According to a recent survey, 47% of drivers wrongly believe their car will be safe for 12 months when issued with an MOT. 

This dangerous misconception has seen 42% of car owners shun vehicle servicing and ignore the threat of unexpected faults simply because their car has a valid MOT certificate.

READ MORE: New MOT rules – how do they affect you?

A valid MOT certificate confirms a car has met the minimum standard of roadworthiness at the time of testing, but does not guarantee safety for the following 12 months.

Aaron Edwards, MOT category manager at Halfords, explained that an MOT certificate only states the car is safe to drive at the moment it’s been tested – and motorists shouldn’t treat it as a full car service. 

He said: “It is not a guarantee that the car is in good running order six months down the line, and it is vital that motorists carry out regular checks as well as an annual service.”

The survey of 2,000 UK drivers by Halfords Autocentres found that 11% of motorists aren’t even sure when their car’s next MOT is due, which could see them risk a fine of up to £1,000.

The study found that 38% of motorists think their car brakes are fine having passed an MOT. However, one third of cars failed their MOT last year with brakes the third most common cause for failure.

The approach to MOTs also differs between regions, with 65% of London motorists admitting an MOT is their car’s only assessment each year, compared to 30% of Scots.

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ALSO: RAC Temporary Car Insurance

It is a legal requirement for most vehicles on the road to be certified as roadworthy by successfully completing an MOT test.

An MOT is required for all cars over three years old. The earliest date a certificate can be renewed is one month before it expires.

To find out how much an MOT should cost and where you can take your test read our comprehensive MOT guide.

For complete peace of mind at home and at the roadside, get RAC breakdown cover today.

Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.