Both male and female motorists can ward off MOT mayhem by learning how to check a vehicle's basics before the big day.

That's the advice of car manual publisher Haynes, whose representatives urged drivers to brush up on how to test their handbrake, footbrake, steering wheel and column for correct operation and excessive play.

"It takes very little time to check a car over before submitting it for an MOT test," observed a spokesperson for the firm, which produces glovebox guides.

"Basic faults such as lights not working, worn wiper blades and insufficient tyre tread depth can easily be sorted out before the test," he continued, emphasising that this is "invariably cheaper" for male and female drivers who fear the costs of a failed MOT.

From their driver's-seat vantage point, individuals can also check their windscreen, their door latches and their seatbelts, which should fasten properly and be in good condition.

Stats from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency indicate that first-time MOT failure rates in the UK are higher than anywhere else in Europe, with a 21.6 per cent rate recorded last year alone.

Find out how foxy lady drivers save lots of money on motoring bills.

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