MOT testing: government response to consultation and summary of responses

The first MoT test on cars and motorcycles won’t be extended to four years following safety concerns expressed during this Government consultation.

Most of those responding to the consultation were against the proposal to extend the period to four years on safety grounds, arguing that the savings to motorists were outweighed by the risk to road users – and pointing out that the test often highlights upcoming issues affecting the vehicle.

A public survey for DfT by Populus also showed fewer than half of people were in favour of the change.

The MoT test was introduced in 1960, at that time requiring vehicles to undergo a first check after 10 years. It was changed in 1967 to three years.

In 2016 (the most recent figures available), more than 2.4m cars had their first MoT test. The pass rate was about 85% and the most common reasons for failure included lighting, tyres and braking faults.

The Government says that changing the time period until the first test would have saved motorists more than £100m a year.