MOT tests every two years instead of annually

The current MOT requirements, which have been in place since 1967, are being reviewed by the UK Government as it has recognised that car design and safety technology has developed a long way in the last 40 years.

Currently, all cars must pass an annual test once they are three years old, however it is believed that testing need not be so regular at the start of a car’s life.

There are three new proposed schedules.

1. First MOT after four years (rather than three), then annually afterwards.
2. First MOT after four years, then another test two years later, then annual testing.
3. First test after four years, the next three MOTs every two years, then annual testing.

“Car technology has come a long way since the 1960s, that’s why we think its right to look again to check whether we still have the right balance of MOT testing for modern vehicles. We want to work with the industry and motorists to get the decision absolutely right,” said Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary.

The Telegraph reports, the proposals - which would bring the UK closer to the EU's more relaxed system of vehicle testing - are believed to have found favour with ministers as a way of offsetting increasing petrol prices, and reflect the improved safety measures of modern cars.

The changes are likely to be welcomed by drivers and could mean that, over its first 10 years, a new car would only be tested four times instead of eight, saving motorists hundreds of pounds. A regular MOT test costs just over £50 but it can easily increase to £200 or more with tyre replacement and repairs for wear and tear.

However, there is some concern that reduced testing will have a negative effect on road safety, with some analysts suggesting they could lead to 30 extra road deaths per year. The proposals were also criticised as unsafe and economically catastrophic by the Retail motor Industry Federation in December. The organisation's John Ball claims that they would "kill people and kill jobs" as Britain’s 19,000 garages authorised to carry out MOT’s would also inevitably lose business.

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