RAC reacts to MOT proposals

24 January 2023 | David Young

The Government's new plans for the future of MOTs, including extending the length of when to take a new car for its first MOT, new measures to monitor pollutants and testing EV batteries

RAC reacts to MOT proposals

The RAC reaction to The Department for Transport (DfT) announcement of a public consultation on the future of MOTs, with none of the current suggestions being enforced.

This is because the Government is seeking to get a better understanding of the current state of the industry, and to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to meet the correct standards, whilst also not adding to the current cost of living crisis impacting millions across the country.

DfT also wants the annual test to keep up with advances in vehicle technology as well as tackle the ongoing climate crisis.

According to the announcement, to ensure MOTs remain fit for the future, the consultation is looking into changing the date at which the first MOT for new light vehicles is required from three to four years.

Although this has received mixed views from the media and across the motoring industry, the Government believes that the plans could save motorists around £100 million a year in MOT fees.

Data shows that most new vehicles pass the first MOT test at three years. In fact, Government analysis shows that a potential change from three to four years for the first MOT should not impact road safety.

After a consultation period, DfT will announce its plans to change the current way testing is done in the UK.

However, any changes will need to be supported by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Despite the opposition and inevitable debate on the future of MOTs, undertaking roadworthiness testing four years since the vehicle's registration is already standard practice across many European countries.

Another potentially controversial addition to the future of the industry, relates to the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of pollutants and emissions.

Planned new measures include testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure vehicles meet the relevant emissions requirements.

Both DfT and the DVSA are looking to tackle excessively loud engines, and how the annual MOT can play a role in this.