What are the government’s new MOT proposals
Monday 13th March 2023
What is the purpose of an MOT?
Currently, all cars in the UK that are three years old or more, must pass a yearly MOT test. This test is mandatory and checks various components outside and inside your a vehicle to ensure it meets the minimum legal requirements considered to be roadworthy and safe to drive.
Proposed changes to MOT testing
On January 18th 2023, The Department for Transport opened a consultation to the public of Great Britain on the future of MOTs, with the intention of updating MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans. The proposed updates look to balance roadworthiness and safety with, costs for motorists, while tackling vehicle emissions and advances in vehicle technology.
Changes to Date
The first proposal looks at changing the date at which the MOT for new vehicles is required, from 3 years to 4 years instead. This aims to help motorists across the UK to save money – with the average MOT currently costing £40, the change in date will save roughly £100 million a year in MOT fees. Data presented during the public consultation showed that vehicles pass the first MOT test at 3 years with a low number of casualties in car collisions due to vehicle defects. Therefore, changing the MOT testing from 3 years to 4 years should not impact road safety. Currently, undertaking MOT testing at 4 years of a vehicle’s registration is standard practice among many European countries such as Denmark, Spain and France.
Changes to emissions testing
The consultation also looks into the frequency of MOT testing and how to improve the monitoring of emissions with the aim of tackling pollution. These potential new measures include introducing emissions testing of pollutants to ensure petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles consistently meet the emissions requirements during their entire lifespan to support the environmental efficiency of vehicles.
Changes to electric vehicle testing
The proposals include considering whether electric vehicle’s batteries should be tested to improve the reliability and safety of EVs. With major developments in vehicle technology such as lane-assisted driving having increased road safety, and the increase in hybrid and electric vehicles quickly changing the nature of cars on the roads, any additional measures introduced should also aim to tackle excessively loud engines and how the DVSA can challenge MOT and mileage fraud.
If you are looking to book in for your MOT, simply locate your local Formula One Autocentre today or for any further enquires regarding MOT testing, contact our friendly team today.
