Controversial plans to update MOT process scrapped following Government consultation
The Government has announced plans to the ‘modernisation’ of the annual MOT, following the conclusion of a consultation into the process.
A vehicle’s first MOT test is set to remain at three years from registration and annually thereafter while government works to establish a programme of longer-term reform for MOTs.
The response to the consultation also stated that every subsequent MOT will also continue to be taken once every year.
According to the statement from the Government, the consultation, which was launched in January 2023, sought views to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology and tackling vehicle emissions.
The Government will continue to investigate how to better monitor diesel vehicle emissions through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
One of the major discussion points will be if the MOT will do more to ensure that diesel vehicles comply with emissions regulations.
Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “We have listened to drivers and industry, and keeping MOTs in their current form shows once again that we are on the side of motorists.
“By offering clarity on MOT tests, alongside our recent street works consultation and unprecedented £8.3 billion to resurface roads, we are helping motorists drive with peace of mind and ensuring Britain’s roads continue to be some of the safest in the world.”
The Department for Transport (DfT) will also monitor technological advancements that could impact MOTs.
Following the conclusion of the consultation, Neil Barlow, Head of Vehicle Policy at DVSA, 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.”
In response, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s great news the madcap idea of changing the MOT from every year to every two has finally been consigned to the bin.
“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.
“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.”
What do you make of the Government’s announcement? And would you make any changes to the MOT process? Leave your comments below.
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