Owners of new cars, motorbikes and vans could be allowed to delay vehicle’s first MOT by a year under plans to cut costs for drivers
- Department for Transport (DfT) launches consultation on proposals over MOTs
- Proposals are to delay the date new cars need an MOT after being registered
- AA discourage the Government from extending car’s first MOT to fourth year
Owners of new cars, motorbikes and vans could be allowed to delay their vehicle’s first MOT by a year under Government plans to cut costs for drivers in a move which the AA has voiced strong concerns about.
The Department for Transport said it has launched a consultation on proposals to require light vehicles in Britain to have their first MOT four years after they are registered, compared with three years currently.
Views on the frequency of MOTs – which under existing regulations are every 12 months after the first test – are also being sought.
The DfT said it wants to ‘ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance costs on motorists while ensuring road safety, keeping up with advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions’.
But the AA president has strongly discouraged the Government from extending a car’s first MOT to the fourth anniversary due to road safety concerns.
Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for using a vehicle without a valid MOT (stock image)
MOTs for cars cost up to £54.85, with repair bills on top.
The tests check a number of parts such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes to ensure they meet legal standards.
Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for using a vehicle without a valid MOT.
AA president Edmund King said: ‘The MOT plays a vital role in ensuring that vehicles on our roads are safe and well maintained, and while not a formal recommendation, we totally oppose any change from an annual MOT.
‘Last year, 83% of drivers said that the annual MOT was ‘very important’ for keeping our cars and roads as safe as possible, which highlights why an annual MOT must remain in place.
‘With one in 10 cars failing their first MOT, we strongly discourage the Government from extending a car’s first MOT to the fourth anniversary due to road safety concerns.’
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