The UK body that represents franchised car dealers has called for greater transparency of the car servicing and repair industry to protect motorists.

According to a survey by the National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) and Trusted Dealers, 84% of people are unaware that there are no minimum qualifications needed for someone to work as a car mechanic.

The NFDA undertook the research to highlight the training 'gap' it claims exists between technicians at franchised dealers and some non-franchised garages and to press the Government for stronger, legally-binding regulation of the industry.

Sue Robinson, NFDA director, said: "The average car is a potentially lethal weapon if poorly maintained, making this a real issue of public safety. As the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have reported 40% of cars fail their MOT when first tested, meaning these cars are being driven in an unroadworthy state.

"Cars today are becoming increasingly sophisticated and well beyond the skills of many non-franchised garages where staff might have completed manufacturer-approved training courses, or as little as a one-week tyre fitting course - there's no way of knowing.

"At present anyone can open up a garage regardless of their background or ability and we think this is a situation that needs to change. Therefore we are calling for tougher, legally enforced minimum standards to raise the bar in the industry."

The NFDA highlighted Germany, where all garages have a master technician, and where they are licenced to protect consumers and guarantee high standards.

Neil Addley, director of franchised dealer-owned used car website Trusted Dealers, said: "The NFDA and Trusted Dealers are urging the Government to do more to protect motorists by creating minimum standards for all UK garage technicians.

"Although there are excellent independent garages with very high standards, the fact remains that because the industry is unlicensed, there is no way of knowing whether the man in the overalls taking a spanner to your car knows what he's doing."