The DfT says planned changes to MOT testing will balance costs for motorists while ensuring road safety, keeping up with advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions.
Put out for consultation on 18 January, the plans would increase the date at which the first MOT for new cars, motorbikes and vans is required from three to four years.
The DfT says data shows that most new vehicles pass the first MOT test at three years – adding that with the number of casualties in car collisions due to vehicle defects remaining low, analysis shows the change ‘should not impact road safety’.
It also points to the fact that four years is standard practice across many European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
While not opposed to the move, the RAC does however believe there should be a different approach for high-mileage vehicles.
Nicholas Lyes, RAC head of roads policy, said: “While we’re not opposed to delaying a new vehicle’s first MOT, we believe there should be a requirement for particularly high mileage vehicles to be tested sooner.
“If the Government is looking to improve the MOT, now is the ideal time to take into account how much a vehicle is driven, alongside the number of years it’s been on the road.”
The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs – a move that has elicited a far stronger reaction from the RAC.
Nicolas Lyes added: “We’re also disappointed the Government is still entertaining the idea of increasing the time between MOTs.
“Our research clearly shows drivers don’t agree with this and believe it’s dangerous. It would also likely increase the number of unroadworthy vehicles on our roads – putting lives at risk – and not save drivers any money as they would likely end up with bigger repair bills as a result.”
The DfT says that since the MOT was introduced in 1960 – and especially in recent years – there have been major developments in vehicle technology, while the spread of electric and hybrid cars is rapidly changing the nature of vehicles on UK roads.
Therefore, the consultation looks at how to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles.
Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan.
The consultation will also consider whether electric vehicles’ batteries should be tested to improve safety and reliability, if additional measures should be introduced to tackle excessively loud engines, and how the DVSA can continue to crack down against MOT and mileage fraud.
First MOT for new cars – OK if not high mileage, but the notices going out are implying it will apply to all vehicles, whatever age, which is not good.
Myth-buster: EV batteries are extremely reliable and will likely outlive the vehicles themselves; much safer than internal combustion engines.
Lynda Hill, Lewes
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