The latest MOT testing data for Great Britain has shown nearly 50 per cent of all faults found on MOTs last year could have been avoided with routine maintenance.

30% of all faults recorded during MOTs in 2014/15 related to lighting and signalling; a further 10% related to tyres and 8.5% to ‘Driver’s view of the road’.

Out of the 28 million MOTs carried out last year, 38% resulted in an initial fail. Nearly one in five of all cars taken for MOT had a problem with lighting and signalling – including simple problems such as blown bulbs.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging motorists to avoid MOT fails and save on retest costs by carrying out regular, simple checks on their vehicles.

DVSA chief executive, Paul Satoor said: “You shouldn’t wait for your MOT to check if your car needs maintenance. All drivers have a responsibility to make sure their vehicle is properly maintained and safe to drive at all times.

“Carrying out simple checks on items such as lights and tyres will help motorists to stay safe and legal, as well as saving time and money when their vehicle is due its MOT.”