DRIVERS UNAWARE: RESEARCH SHOWS LOW KNOWLEDGE OF NEW MOT TEST

Research shows half of drivers didn’t know about the new MoT; almost a fifth have driven without a valid MoT certificate

Half (50 per cent) of drivers on UK roads didn’t know the MoT test had changed, and a further one in four (23 per cent) claimed they didn’t know the new rules, according to research released today by MyCarNeedsA.com.

In a survey examining driver attitudes to and knowledge of the new MoT test and its rules, the research shows:

• Half (50 per cent) of motorists surveyed didn’t know that the MoT test had changed
• One in four (23 per cent) motorists didn’t know about the rule changes to the test before they arrived at the test centre
• One in five motorists (19 per cent) claimed they were worried about the new changes
• The DPF / admission test, under-inflated tyres and brake warning lights are the three MoT rules motorists are most likely to be aware of. Contaminated brake fluid is the least likely
• For confused motorists, local garages remain a trusted source of information. A local garage is the second most likely destination for questions about a car, just behind the internet in the first place

The study also asked drivers if they’d ever driven a car without a valid MoT certificate. Just under a fifth, (17 per cent) of motorists said they had previously driven a car without a valid MoT certificate.

The research was carried out by MyCarNeedsA.com, the UK’s leading comparison website that drivers use for all their car aftercare needs. Speaking on the survey, MyCarNeedsA.com Managing Director, Scott Hamilton, said:

“The change to the MoT test may be a few months old now, but there’s clearly still a lack of understanding of what the changes mean for some motorists. While half of drivers said they didn’t know the test had changed, we’re more concerned about the one in four drivers who don’t know the new rules.

“Brushing up on your knowledge of the new test will save time, cost and hassle as you’ll be better informed before your visit to the local MoT test centre and this will increase your chances of passing the first time.”

Scott says that despite some concerns about the new MoT test , the research also throws up a reassuring statistic for the car aftercare industry.

“While the research does raise cause for concern, it also offers some comfort for the aftercare industry by showing that a local garage is still a highly trusted source of information when it comes to questions about cars” Scott added. “That’s something that we’re very pleased to see and would encourage any motorists who aren’t sure about the new MoT test to get in touch with a high quality, local garage which you can find on our website.”

The poll also quizzed drivers on their car maintenance habits and self-care and found that some of the most common MoT failure items are regularly checked by drivers.

Wheels and tyres, windscreen wipers and headlights and indicators are the items most likely to be checked on a regular basis by motorists in the run-up to an MoT. Car suspension is the least likely to be checked by drivers.