Road safety stakeholders have welcomed the Government’s decision to retain the current intervals between mandatory MOT tests for cars, vans and motorcycles.
In January 2023, a consultation was launched into the future of MOTs, as part of efforts to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology and tackling vehicle emissions.
Under consideration were plans to increase the date at which the first MOT for new cars, motorbikes and vans is required from three to four years. It also sought views on the frequency of MOTs.
Today (25 Jan), the Government published its response to the consultation, which confirms that the first MOT will remain at three years from registration. Every subsequent MOT will also continue to be taken once every year.
It points to analysis from the AA suggests that an annual MOT can potentially save drivers between £200 and £400 as picking up developing faults each year means drivers aren’t hit with higher repair bills further down the road.
Guy Opperman, roads minister, said: “We have listened to drivers and industry, and keeping MOTs in their current form shows once again that we are on the side of motorists.
“By offering clarity on MOT tests, alongside our recent street works consultation and unprecedented £8.3 billion to resurface roads, we are helping motorists drive with peace of mind and ensuring Britain’s roads continue to be some of the safest in the world.”
The DfT adds it will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders and drivers to establish a programme of longer-term reform for MOTs.
The announcement has been welcomed by stakeholders, including Road Safety GB.
James Gibson, executive director of Road Safety GB, said: “Road Safety GB responded to the consultation in 2023 and supported maintaining the current testing intervals.
“It’s great news that this has been confirmed by the Government. The MOT test will continue to help minimise the number of unroadworthy vehicles on our roads and contribute to road safety. In addition, it’s vital that drivers undertake regular basic vehicle safety checks.”
The RAC has heralded the news as “great”, while TyreSafe describes it as a “very welcome announcement”.
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “It’s great news the madcap idea of changing the MOT from every year to every two has finally been consigned to the bin.
“This would have seriously compromised road safety and ended up costing drivers more money rather than less as it was supposed to do, due to dangerous issues going undetected and getting progressively worse.”
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe chair, said: “We applaud them [the DfT] for listening to the views of road safety organisations such as TyreSafe for factoring in the risks posed to road safety in extending the first test to four years.
“While TyreSafe supports any initiatives which helps reduce cost to road users and minimise their impact on the environment, the DfT has rightly pointed out the ‘saving’ of an MoT test fee is marginal when compared to the potential costs driving with defects can have on people’s budgets.”
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