Three things that will result in an MoT fail that most people don't know about

Millions of drivers are getting basic facts wrong about what can and can't result in your car failing its MoT.

Research from Halfords shows that simple mistakes almost anyone you can fix at home for a few pennies could result in a "fail" - but that the majority of drivers are unaware of this.

Given driving a car after failing your MoT can result in a fine of £1,000, the car and bike chain is urging people to check at home first.

Halfords Autocentres' Aaron Edwards from said: “The MoT test can be an anxious time –  it can be a little bit like waiting for your exam results."

He added: “If you’re unsure whether your car is safe, or you want to put your mind at rest, Halfords Autocentres can also provide a free safety check.”

New MoT rules came in a couple of years back (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

 

 

To check people's knowledge, Halfords asked drivers about what they did - and didn't - think counted as a fail.

While most (but not all) drivers realised having a missing wing mirror or damaged windscreen wipers would result in a fail - there were worrying gaps in knowledge elsewhere.

More than two drivers in three (71%) didn't know that running out of water in your windcreen washer bottle counted as a fail - even though its incredibly simple to check and top up at home.

Three in five drivers (60%) also didn't know windscreen stickers could result in a fail if they were classed as "obstructing the driver's view", while 56% of drivers wrongly thought they could pass with under-inflated tyes.

On a more positive note, some people thought window's being stuck closed could mean a fail when it can't, and some even wrongly thought they could fail for a broken radio.

Here are the eight biggest mistakes we're making when it comes to MoT knowledge:

1. 71% didn’t realise that running out of water in your screenwash bottle would count as a fail
2. 60% didn’t know that windscreen stickers that obscure the driver’s view would be classed as a fail
3. 56% weren’t aware that having underinflated tyres would mean a fail
4. 33% thought that windows not opening would be a fail, but that isn’t the case
5. 31% didn’t know that driving with damaged windscreen wipers would be a fail
6. 25% thought they could pass their MOT without having a registration plate – passing requires a full and readable registration plate
7. 24% thought they could pass their test with a missing wing mirror, but this would be classed as a fail
8. 3% thought radio not working would count as a fail – whether a radio works or not will not affect whether a car passes the test