In the UK, the Ministry of Transport test (MOT) is a mandatory annual test for vehicles over three years old to ensure they meet road safety and environmental standards.
It checks various parts of a car, such as brakes, lights, tyres, and exhaust systems, to make sure they are functioning properly and legally.
The data revealed that more than 9.9 million out of the 43.7 million MOT tests carried out by mechanics in 2023 were unsuccessful.
By identifying potential mechanical failures before they occur, the MOT can prevent dangerous situations.
Driving without a valid MOT is illegal, and doing so could lead to fines, penalties, or invalidation of car insurance.
Annual MOT tests ensure that drivers are adhering to the law, promoting a safer driving environment for everyone.
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RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “Vehicles can fail an MOT for more than 600 different reasons.
“Some of these might well be difficult for owners to spot ahead of time but what’s concerning is that drivers are taking cars for a test with such obvious defects as missing brakes.
“It might be that some people are taking a car to be tested just to check quite how many things will need to be fixed before it will get through, but others look like they are turning up with vehicles displaying faults that are impossible to miss.
“This should be food for thought for those who suggest we don’t need an annual roadworthiness check.
“What’s really worrying is how many people might be taking a chance by continuing to drive cars with potentially lethal faults just because their next MOT isn’t yet due.”
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