Take the test
The Department for Transport (DFT) is at it again! Yes, the topic of revising the timescale of a vehicle’s first visit to the MOT station is being discussed. Or rather, it had been discussed in Parliament some time ago and, because of that, a consultation document became available on January 22, 2017.
A similar discussion arose in 2011, when the Government were deliberating either a 4-1-1 system (first test at four years, then every year thereafter) or a 4-2-2 or 4-2-1 regime. At the time, I think that most of us were in agreement that a 4-2-2 MOT would be a crazy idea.
The new consultation document seeks the public’s opinions on changing the current format from a 3-1-1 to a 4-1-1 system. There is no plan to alter the content of the test in any way.
You can fill out the questionnaire online at http://bit.ly/2j46kuh. It comprises a series of yes/no questions, with an option to give further comments. The consultation closes at 11.45pm on April 16, 2017.
Basically, the three alternatives being proposed by the Government are: Option 1 No change to the current 3-1-1 MOT system. Option 2 Extending the age that all vehicles get their first MOT from 3 to 4 years. Option 3 As Option 2, but excluding vans in classes 4 and 7, which will continue with the current 3-1-1 schedule. The Government preference is for either Option 2 or Option 3, and it is anticipated that the annual reduction in the total number of MOT tests would be by 8.3% with Option 2 and 7.5% with Option 3. Extending the test time to four years would also, according to the Government, save consumers more than £100 million every year.
However, the consultation is also considering the wider impacts of any changes. At present, more than 29 million MOTS are carried out at 22,000 garages every year. I’d say these businesses would definitely suffer as a consequence, and so would the aftermarket parts and tyre industries.
The DFT has commented that the MOT test originated in 1960, with the three-year date for the first test coming into force in 1967. Since then, design improvements that have been made to new vehicles continue to improve safety.
Northern Ireland already operates a four-year schedule for cars and motorcycles, and three years for vans. Many other European countries have first checks at four years, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, while Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and some others operate a three-year system.
So is there an issue with changing the first test to four years? My initial feeling is “No, don’t do it.” At least, not for vans, as they can cover huge mileages. But then, so do many company cars.
My main concern is with tyres, which many drivers fail to check regularly. Tyre pressure warning systems have been mandatory since 2012, which should highlight any potential punctures, but it’s the unseen defects, like bulges, that worry me the most...