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Nine per cent of drivers think MoTs are optional

Image of James Fossdyke
Author: | Updated: 05 Mar 2014 15:41

A survey of UK motorists by tyre-fitting company Kwik Fit has found a number of scary motoring misconceptions, including the worrying statistic that 9% of drivers think MoT Certificates are optional.

MOT

Nine per cent of motorists equates to roughly 3.4 million drivers in the UK driving around in the mistaken belief that MoTs are not required by law for cars over three years old. Equally worryingly, 7% of motorists admitted to having driven without a valid MoT Certificate. As misconceptions go, it’s a pretty big one, but it is by no means alone.

Other popular misconceptions included not realising tax discs were mandatory (10%) and, even worse, not thinking insurance is a legal requirement (9%).

The demographic that proved most ignorant of the rules was young drivers between 18 and 24. Fifteen per cent of drivers in that age group thought insurance was optional.

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.”

Although a number of drivers are ignorant of what the rules require, a greater number thought the rules were more stringent than they actually are.

A fifth of drivers believed that an annual service was compulsory, 18% thought warning triangles were mandatory and a massive 46% believed spare wheels were legal requirements, despite many cars being sold without even a space saver.

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