Two-year MOT plans put into reverse gear
Twelve-month period between tests to remain after ministers ‘listened to drivers and industry’
THE Government has backtracked on plans to make MOTS compulsory every two years after a backlash.
Guy Opperman, the roads minister, said the Government has “listened to drivers and industry” as he dropped plans to double the period between MOT tests from one year to two.
The annual test checks whether cars’ brakes, tyres, seatbelts and lights are safe and legal to use.
Mr Opperman said: “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) said it would continue to explore changes to tests for diesel, electric and self-driving vehicles.
The idea was raised in 2022 by Grant Shapps, the transport secretary at the time, after ministers were instructed to come up with new policies that would not cost the Treasury any money.
A government source said at the time: “If we moved from an annual check to a check every two years, that is halving the cost of MOT renewal. That is a bread and butter policy that shows that the Conservatives are on your side.”
Road safety organisations welcomed ministers’ about-turn on Thursday.
Simon Williams, the RAC’S head of policy, 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.”
Nicholas Lyes, the director of policy and standards at IAM Roadsmart, said: “Well-maintained vehicles make our roads safer and reduce the chances of collisions caused by worn-out parts and more serious defects.”
Jakob Pfaudler, the chief executive of the AA, added that polls carried out for the motor group showed that drivers “overwhelmingly supported” the annual test.
He said: “With one in 10 cars failing
‘It’s great news the idea of changing the MOT from every year to every two has been consigned to the bin’
their first MOT, we fully support the Government’s pragmatic decision to maintain the first MOT at three years and annually thereafter.”
Ministers also suggested extending the MOT grace period for new cars to four years, bringing England, Scotland and Wales into line with Northern Ireland.
Only approved test stations can carry out the checks, which cost a maximum of £54.85 for cars and £29.65 for motorbikes.
Almost 4,500 people responded to a DFT consultation last year about the proposed MOT changes, with the Government later saying “significant concerns about road safety” were raised, following a backlash.