Millions of motors could be unsafe for UK roads with drivers facing thousands in fines for forgetting annual check

MILLIONS of cars may not be safe for UK roads, with drivers facing hefty fines.

New research has concluded that swathes of Brits could be using a vehicle that isn't roadworthy without even knowing.

A study by MOT provider found that 38% of motorists in this country were unaware that the test was a legal requirement every year.

Given that there are 41.2 million motors registered in the UK according to government statistics, this could mean that up to 15.6 million are not being tested annually.

Failure to have an MOT every year puts your car below national safety requirements, meaning it is deemed unsafe for use.

It also puts you at risk of dangerous faults such as brake malfunctions, oil leaks and exhaust problems.

There is also a very clear North-South divide in the severity of the issue, with only 47% of Londoners knowing the law, compared to a whopping 70% of Northerners.

Likewise, just over a quarter of 18-24-year-olds were aware of the requirement, with a staggering 7% not even knowing one was needed at all.

This only serves to highlight the risks posed to young drivers when safety standards aren't maintained.

By law, new cars must undergo their first MOT within three years of registration and then annually thereafter.

During the test certified mechanics check vital features including your brakes, lights, exhaust system and engine to ensure they are within legal safety and environmental limits.

If your car fails its MOT, you are required to have the problem areas serviced before retaking the test.

For most cars (those with up to eight passenger seats) the maximum cost of a test currently stands at £54.85.

It is an offence to drive a car without a valid MOT and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a driving ban unless you are driving directly to the testing facility.

You can check your MOT expiry date for free online on the government website by entering your registration number - just search "DVLA registration check".

However, some vehicles are exempt from the MOT requirement, including tractors, goods vehicles registered before March 2015 and "historic" vehicles.

The latter is defined as any motor registered more than 40 years ago on a rolling basis - the cut-off is currently 1983, so most classic cars are exempt.

Just remember that you still have to get it tested if any "substantial changes" have been made in the previous 30 years which change the way in which it works.

For example, installing a more powerful engine would mean that you still need an MOT until 30 years after the modification.

A full list of exempt vehicles can be found online.

Limvirak Chea, co-founder and CEO of Fixter, said: “Given how many in the UK rely on their car for daily trips, it’s shocking to see such a huge knowledge gap when it comes to keeping vehicles road safe.

"What’s clear from our findings is that drivers need to be educated on the importance of MOTs and servicing, regardless of how many years they’ve been on the road."

Mr Chea also reminded drivers that regular maintenance work is essential as MOTs only ensure minimum safety standards.

Consult your owner's manual for advice on the lifespan of things like tyres, engine oil or brake pads.

It comes after a popular driving app introduced a genius new AI feature which could alert motorists of danger ahead.

Meanwhile, a driver was left baffled when her van received a fine despite being carried by a breakdown recovery truck.