Labour has rejected calls to make changes to the MOT testing system amid road safety fears.
In April 2023, the then-Conservative Government launched a call for evidence on whether changes should be made to the testing regime of heavy goods vehicles.
The Department for Transport called for the views of drivers, groups and organisations with an interest in roadworthiness assurance.
Four potential options for changes for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) of operators in the earned recognition (ER) scheme were put forward.
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The DfT said it would not move forward with MOT test change plans
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These included:
Option 1 - Removing the requirement for ER operators to have vehicles tested every 12 months
Option 2 - Allowed ER operators to test their own vehicles and trailers
Option 3 - Reducing test content, like removing items that are covered in routine inspections that can be monitored by in-vehicle systems
Option 4 - The DVSA could focus its service improvement on ER operators by giving a complete or greater guarantee of requested authorised test facility slots
Motorists must renew their MOT test every year GETTYResponses to the call for evidence revealed that the third option would not be subject to further analysis.
The DVSA has also outlined "considerable improvements" to its service provision for all operators, bringing it in line with option four.
The Department for Transport concluded that it would not take forward further changes to the system of heavy vehicle testing.
The response to the call for evidence confirmed that the Department for Transport and the DVSA remain committed to the earned recognition scheme.
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A statement added: "The scheme plays an important part in encouraging and promoting industry best practice.
"In addition, it allows consignors to easily identify those operators that put safety and compliance at the forefront of their operating culture.
"DVSA will continue to work with ER customers and the wider industry to promote the scheme and incentivise best practice."
Previous suggestions from the Conservative Government also questioned whether time limits for MOT tests should be changed.
The HGV testing proposals were rejected
PAIt proposed moving the date of the first MOT for cars, vans and motorcycles from three to four years.
The consultation suggested that drivers could save around £100million a year in MOT costs, especially since most households own more than one vehicle.
However, respondents to the consultation said the benefits of such a scheme would not outweigh the safety risks of having vehicles on the road that have gone four years without an inspection.
The Department for Transport ultimately rejected the consultation, citing safety concerns from drivers and industry organisations.
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