News analysis
Three still the magic number for MOT tests
The three-year period before vehicles are due to have their first MOT test will not be extended. Sean Keywood reports.
N
ew cars will still be subject to their first MOT test when they are three years old, following a consultation.
The UK Government had initially launched the consultation in January 2023 with a proposal that the date of the first MOT could shift back a year to four years after registration, but this prompted safety concerns from some motoring organisations.
The government has now announced that the three-year date will remain, and also that tests will continue to be required annually after that, with a suggestion that these periods could be extended also scrapped.
However, the government says it will investigate changes around better monitoring of diesel vehicle emissions through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), including whether testing should do more to ensure that diesel vehicles comply with emissions regulations.
In addition, it says it will be looking at potential improvements to MOT testing for EVs, and whether developments in assisted driving technology could also require alterations.
DVSA head of vehicle policy Neil Barlow said: “Ensuring the MOT remains fit for the future is a key part of DVSA’s work, and getting ready for new technology will help keep Britain’s roads safe.
“We hope this positive news will provide some certainty for garages to enable the investment in new technologies that could be needed to keep the MOT at the forefront of road safety and the environment.” Reporting on the consultation, the Department for Transport noted that the issue of safety was raised by many respondents, with particular attention given to safety-critical components such as tyres and brakes.
The consultation heard that these components could wear below their safe
limits without the vehicle owner realising if early inspection was not carried out, with statistically significant failure rates seen in three-year-old vehicles. In addition, it heard that heavier EVs, and the potential effect of vehicle mass on the wear of components such as tyres, was an argument for keeping the three- year first test period in place. AA CEO Jakob Pfaudier said: “AA polling showed drivers overwhelmingly (83%) supported the annual MOT for keeping their cars and other cars safe. With one in ten cars failing their first MOT, we fully support the government’s pragmatic decision to maintain the first MOT at three years and annually thereafter.”
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Government and the automotive industry have worked together to ensure the UK has some of the world’s safest roads. “The decision to retain the existing MOT system is the right one, helping maintain
this proud record and giving drivers confidence in car and van roadworthiness. “With vehicle technology continuing to evolve at pace in terms of both safety and environmental performance, we will maintain this collaboration with government and other stakeholders so that the MOT continues to be fit for purpose, helping Britain improve what is already a strong road safety record.” IAM Roadsmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: “An MOT gives drivers confidence their vehicle is conforming to minimum roadworthiness standards, and many see it as an essential technical health check.
“Well-maintained vehicles make our roads safer and reduce the chances of collisions caused by worn-out parts and more serious defects.
“We welcome the government listening to drivers and prioritising both road safety and emissions as part of this package of announcements.”
“Ensuring the MOT remains fit for the future is a
key part of DVSA’s work, and getting ready for new technology will help keep Britain’s roads safe.”
www.businesscar.co.uk | February 2024 | 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
