First MOT test to remain three years after buying new
cars, as Government listens to drivers.
Government to explore modernising the test for electric
and automated vehicles following extensive
feedback.
Follows the biggest ever investment to improve local
roads of £8.3 billion.
Motorists will still take the first MOT test three years after
buying their new car as the Government continues to listen to
drivers.
Today (25 January), the Government has published its response to
the consultation on
updating MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans, which
confirms that the first MOT will remain at three years from
registration. Every subsequent MOT will also continue to be taken
once every year, ensuring motorists can continue to drive with
peace of mind.
Launched in January 2023, the consultation sought views to ensure
roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists,
road safety, advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle
emissions.
To ensure MOTs are fit for the future, the Government
will further investigate how to better monitor diesel
vehicle emissions through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
(DVSA). This will include whether testing should do more to
ensure that diesel vehicles comply with emissions regulations.
Analysis from the AA suggests that an annual MOT can potentially
save drivers between £200 and £400 as picking up developing
faults each year means drivers aren’t hit with higher repair
bills further down the road.
Roads Minister 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.”
With the constantly improving technology of modern-day cars and
Electric Vehicles (EVs), the Department will continue to work
closely with industry stakeholders and drivers to establish a
programme of longer term, reform for MOTs.
To ensure they remain fit for the future, the Government is
exploring a more effective test for diesel particulate emissions,
whether further improvements could be made to the MOT for
electric vehicles and the transfer of some larger zero-emissions
vans to more standard, car-style MOT testing.
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."
DfT will also monitor technological developments that could
require an altered MOT, such as Advanced Driver Assistance
Systems.
Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, said:
"AA polling showed drivers overwhelmingly (83%) supported the
annual MOT for keeping their cars and other cars safe. With one
in 10 cars failing their first MOT, we fully support the
Government’s pragmatic decision to maintain the first MOT at
three years and annually thereafter.”
The measures follow last week’s proposals to tackle overrunning street
works from utility companies and the biggest ever
funding boost of £8.3 billion, enough to
resurface over 5,000 miles of local roads in England, as
the Government continues to be on the side of drivers and improve
journeys for more people, in more places, more quickly.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive,
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.”
