Fleets and drivers can still have their say on proposed MOT reforms as the UK awaits the outcome of the Government’s consultation on its plans.

The majority of the automotive industry says the MOT changes would increase the number of dangerous vehicles on UK roads without reducing the cost of motoring

While the consultation period ended on 22 March 2023, an online petition on the Government website is still open, opposing the “dangerous and damaging” proposals and backed by major industry bodies. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the matter will be considered for debate in Parliament.

The Government has proposed changing the date of the first MOT from three years to four years and on altering the frequency of the test thereafter from one year to two, in order to make it “fit for the future”.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) say such a move could save motorists across Great Britain around £100m a year in MOT fees.

While the general public has mixed opinions on the changes, the majority of the automotive industry has spoken out, saying that delaying the first MOT would increase the number of dangerous vehicles on UK roads without reducing the cost of motoring – and potentially actually increasing it.

The AA has said it’s totally opposed to any change from an annual MOT and that testing plays a vital role in ensuring that vehicles on our roads are safe and well-maintained.

Meanwhile, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has warned of its concerns for road safety while the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has said safety risks for EVs will be heightened.

MotorEasy, the car ownership platform from Intelligent Motoring, is also warning that less frequent MOT testing increases the risk of faults being left undetected, to deteriorate and make the vehicle unsafe. In fact, analysis by the car insurance team at Comparethemarket found nearly 57% of British drivers have failed their MOT in the last five years.

Like the IMI, MotorEasy has warned about the safety risks to EVs. Hybrid and fully electric vehicles exact much greater wear on tyres – due to their weight and torque – and tyres in poor condition or not meeting the legal tread requirement are the most common cause of MOT failure. Less frequent expert checks on tyres will increase the number of vehicles on the road with unsafe tyres.

“The proposed MOT changes, should they go ahead, present a very real threat to UK motorists and other road users,” commented Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring, the parent company of MotorEasy. “The current MOT system has helped the UK achieve one of the best road safety records in the world, but this change could put an end to that.

“The Government hopes to help reduce the cost of car ownership by reducing the number of MOTs drivers have to pay for. Delaying identifying and repairing faults, however, will allow them to deteriorate further and ultimately cost owners far more. The industry and Government have a duty to responsibly support consumers in managing their finances, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, but this is a dangerous false economy.

“We are urging the public to use their voice and express their concerns over the potential change by signing the online petition to force the Government to discuss the matter in Parliament.”

The online petition against the MOT changes is online here.