Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Felix Reeves & Phil Norris & Ketsuda Phoutinane

Annual MOT could be scrapped to save drivers money in cost of living crisis

A move to change annual MOTs to every two years has been suggested by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

The current rules stipulate that drivers with cars over three years old need a MOT certificate which must be renewed yearly.

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets standards for road safety and the environment.

The idea comes as the Government seeks 'innovative ways' to help Brits through the cost of living crisis, the Express reports.

Energy bills have soared and inflation has risen by seven percent as of this month - the fastest rate in 30 years - just as higher National Insurance rates kicked in.

The Government pegs the annual cost of an MOT at a maximum of £54.85, although repair work to make it pass can make motorists pay a lot more.

The UK Transport Secretary has suggested changing MOT from annually to every two years (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The BBC has reported that Mr Shapps wants to examine the possibility of extending renewal times to help drivers.

Having an MOT test every other year, would save motorists £27.43 a year.

The AA motoring group has said changing the requirement could end up costing motorists more.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: "Though well intended, moving the yearly £55 spend on an MOT to every two years could make costs worse for drivers with higher repair bills, make our roads more dangerous and would put jobs in the garage industry at risk.

"Only recently the Government stepped away from switching the MOT to every two years on the grounds of road safety. While AA polling shows overwhelming support from drivers who like the security that an annual health check provides."

Number 10 has said the Prime Minister wanted to look at ways to ease living costs, with proposals being sent to the Government’s domestic and economic strategy committee for further discussion.

One source who attended the Cabinet meeting told The Telegraph : "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."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.