Nearly half of all MOT faults could be avoided if drivers carry out simple checks on their vehicles, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says.

Latest testing data for Britain shows that 30% of all faults recorded in 2014-15 were related to lighting and signalling, with a further 10% due to tyres and 8.5% to the 'driver's view of the road'.

Some 38% of the 28 million MOTs carried out last year resulted in an initial fail for reasons such as blown bulbs.

The DVSA is encouraging motorists to avoid the cost of a retest by carrying out regular 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.'

Cars must have an MOT every year once they are three years old.