UK Road safety charity, Brake and Direct Line have published results of a driver survey which shows almost half of respondents admitted to driving with at least one risky vehicle problem or defect. 

The survey found:

• 45% of drivers admit to having driven with at least one risky vehicle problem or defect in the past year, with men and young drivers the worst offenders.
• More than a quarter are not confident they know how to make essential checks like ensuring tyres are in safe and legal condition and brakes are working properly.
• 37% do not ensure their tyres have 3mm tread.

In response to the findings, professional industry body the IMI says fears of being over-charged or given poor service by garages are significantly contributing to motorists dangerous attitudes. Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI also says that the proliferation of complex vehicle technologies has already increased the skills requirements for effective and safe working on modern vehicles and he is calling on minimum licensing standard for UK garages. The IMI is also calling on all the major political parties to include a mandatory License to Practice for the motor trade in their election manifestoes for the 2015 election.