The Department for Transport has launched a major consultation on the country’s compulsory MOT test, asking drivers and those within the automotive industry for their opinions on a range of potential changes.
Originally introduced in 1960 to improve the roadworthiness of the UK’s growing number of vehicles, the automotive industry has evolved significantly since then – with modern cars bringing in a host of new safety and technological aids.
On top of this, electric and hybrid vehicles – which require different kinds of inspections – have become increasingly popular across the UK as drivers seek out a greener, emission-free alternative to the standard petrol or diesel car.
Now, the government is asking for public opinion on how to update the MOT so it fits in with the many automotive changes over the year. The Department of Transport have set out three main goals.
“We are seeking views on whether the first date for a MOT test should be changed,” says the DfT’s website. “We are keen to understand:
- When people think the first date should be.
- How making a change to this date will affect businesses.
- Whether we should introduce any other changes to MOT testing.
And it adds: “We will use this evidence to inform updates to policy, guidance, best practice and other policy tools across government.”
Following initial feedback from the industry, the government have extended the consultation from February until 22nd March 2023.
So, what are the proposed changes?
Firstly, the consultation wishes to hear feedback on proposals to change the date for when the first MOT for new light vehicles is required. The suggestion is that they increase this from three years to four.
Undertaking roadworthiness testing four years since the vehicle’s registration is already standard practice across many European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Plus, the DfT’s own research has shown that around 85% of new vehicles pass their first MOT test at three years.
However, when these plans were first proposed in 2017-18, the four-year policy did not obtain public support. It therefore remains to be seen whether opinions will have changed over time.
The consultation also asks for views on the frequency of MOTs, and whether this could be mileage-related instead of time-related. This would mean high-usage vehicles would be tested more regularly, while those with a lower annual mileage would enjoy lower costs.
The average MOT costs £40 and the move could save motorists across Britain around £100 million a year in MOT fees, say government experts.
Other changes considered include how to improve the monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution and bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles. Potential new measures include testing of pollutants to ensure vehicles are always meeting emissions requirements.
It also considers the new technology that’s becoming commonplace in today’s modern cars – the likes of autonomous braking, lane-keeping sensors and parking assist equipment will all be discussed, while EV components like batteries, new noise legislation and emissions controls will also be considered.
Responses to the consultation have so far been very mixed, especially from the automotive industry. While there are concerns about some of the proposed changes – and the wide scope of these changes – there is an agreement that the MOT needs to adapt to modern motoring, particularly with the ongoing advances in technology and the proliferation of EVs.
In the meantime, all parties have agreed to continue working closely at every stage of the consultation process to ensure that public safety and the needs of the industry are being thoroughly considered.
How can you share your view?
There are several ways to respond to this consultation. Remember, the closing date is 22nd March 2023.
