Nearly half of British motorists fear they would fail their driving test if they had to retake it today, the latest research has revealed.
Car insurance firm, Direct Line, questioned more than 1,500 drivers as part of the survey and discovered that older women drivers would be most at risk of failing the test because of their inability to understand the mechanics of the car.
September 2003 saw the introduction of a new section of the driving test, Show Me, Tell Me, designed to ensure that potential motorists were familiar with car maintenance and were able to carry out basic checks on their engine. An enormous 62% of women questioned by the motor insurance company attempted a mock test and failed miserably.
53% of the ladies who took part were unable to point out the brake fluid, and a worrying 14% couldn't check their car's tyre pressure or the condition of their tyres to establish whether or not they were safe to use on the road.
A spokesman from CoverGirl Car Insurance Services, the car insurance for women experts, commented on the research, saying, "It's essential that you're aware of the basic checks that need to be done on your car. If those checks aren't done, you're putting your life and the lives of your passengers at risk.
"Ask someone who knows a bit about cars to show you how to carry out the basic checks. It really is worth taking a couple of minutes to learn the vitals."