Drivers risk being caught out and fined up to £2,500 as changes to MOT tests come into effect.

Under the new MOT rules, motorists who do not have a valid MOT put themselves at risk.

It turns out that 89 per cent of people are unaware of the amount they could be fined - while 25 per cent are unaware they will be fined at all.

According to the Green Flag research, one sixth (16 per cent) of drivers don’t book their MOT in early.

This means that if it fails they have no time to get it repaired before putting it through the test again.

It also says up to 21 million cars on the roads are faulty and a tendency to “ignore the problem” is racking up bills in British households.

Nick Reid, Head of Automotive Technology at Green Flag, said: “Driving a faulty car is a huge issue. Not only is it dangerous for you, your passengers and other drivers on the road; not getting issues seen to only makes them worse, which means a bigger bill for you.

“Our research indicates that, under the MOT changes which come into effect on Sunday, the majority of drivers are going to get caught out, and potentially face fines for their vehicle treatment.

"We are urging drivers to read up on the new rules and ensure that they book MOTs in early, so if their vehicle fails they have time to get it repaired before putting it through the test again.”