Road safety experts have supported the Government after plans to change the law for a vehicle’s first MOT test were scrapped amid fears that drivers would be put at risk.
In the consultation launched in January 2023, the Government put forward suggestions to increase the date at which a first MOT is required for the cars, vans and motorcycles from three to four years.
It suggested that these measures could be rolled out because fewer vehicles were failing MOT tests thanks to improving technology, further helping drivers to save money.
Despite this, many safety experts said it would have enormous consequences for motorists as their vehicles could become unroadworthy before the fourth year of ownership, putting them at risk when driving.
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Experts said law changes would result in drivers paying more for repairs with a delayed MOT test
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The Government has agreed to dismiss the consultation proposals and keep a vehicle’s first MOT at three years from registration, with subsequent tests taking place every year.
The DVSA stated it would continue to investigate whether further changes are needed for the diesel vehicle test to ensure they comply with emissions regulations.
Hayley Pells, policy lead at the Institute of the Motor Industry, said: “We welcome the Government's commitment to maintaining the first MOT at three years and annual testing thereafter.
“This aligns with our findings on the importance of regular checks for road safety and vehicle maintenance.
“The decision to further explore modernising tests for electric and automated vehicles is a positive step towards addressing the unique challenges and advancements in vehicle technology. We also appreciate the focus on diesel emissions, which is crucial for environmental concerns.
“The conclusion of the consultation also underscores the need for ongoing adaptations in MOT testing to keep pace with rapidly evolving vehicle technologies and environmental considerations.”
In response to the consultation launched early in 2023, the IMI provided a response containing evidence that extending the date for the first Mot would “significantly increase road user risk”.
The organisation found particularly risks with electric vehicles given the additional weight and the potential impacts on tyre wear which would be worse if left for an extra year.
Data from the IMI and Department for Transport showed that compared to petrol engine vehicles, electric cars are much more likely to fail their first MOT test.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams described the proposals as a “madcap idea” and that it was “great news” that the plans had been “consigned to the bin”.
He added: “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.
“This is why the idea was so widely unpopular with the motoring public in our research.
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The Government stated it would continue to work on measures for diesel emissions tests
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“We look forward to hearing more from the Government on how the MOT will evolve in the future, both to accommodate the rising number of electric cars on our roads and improve the monitoring of dangerous emissions from combustion engines.
“We would also like to see the test change to help reduce the prospect of glare from headlights, as this is something the DVSA has previously said garages can find difficult to assess.”