Since being introduced in the 1960s, the MOT test has been a staple on the calendar for most car owners. The annual vehicle check often picks up issues or potential problems with a car's roadworthiness. However, changes could be on the horizon.
Plans to extend the age at which cars need their first MOT have been outlined alongside the potential move to make the test biennial instead of annual. Currently under consultation, the proposed changes have been met with concerns. One expert has warned drivers that Government's MOT plans could cost drivers "more in the long run" and lead to higher repair costs.
In an interview with Express.co.uk, Dorry Potter, an expert at National Scrap Car, said: "MOTs play a vital role in making sure vehicles on our roads are safe and well-maintained. Though the Government's plan is well intended, moving the MOT to biennial rather than annual could actually cost drivers more in the long run with higher repair bills."
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
According to Dorry, not having an MOT every year "may mean that defects will go unnoticed for longer". They said: "A lot of times when people take their cars in for MOT it is a surprise that the car fails because as motorists it could be hard to identify faults in the car. MOTs help identify small minor problems before they become more expensive to fix, having an effect on motorists' finances in the long term."
The expert pointed out that faults could also have a detrimental impact on road safety with the number of unroadworthy vehicles on roads, as well as breakdowns, putting people’s safety at risk. They said: "For example, it’s important to note that engine oil should ideally be changed every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Reducing MOTs to every two years may mean motorists forget to do these."
On the second point of changes to the proposed date at which a new vehicle is MOTd, the expert said that this "isn’t such a bad idea". However, they added that "there should be a requirement for high mileage vehicles especially to be tested annually."
A consultation period for the proposals began on January 18 and was originally meant to come to an end on February 28. However, on February 16, the Department for Transport changed the deadline for the end of the MOT consultation to March 22.
According to the Independent Garage Association (IGA), the Department for Transport will not immediately decide on any changes based on the results. Any changes to the MOT will be supported by an information campaign led by the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to inform drivers of the updates to MOTs and remind them of their responsibility to keep vehicles roadworthy.
READ NEXT:
What life is like next to one of Nottingham's busiest roundabouts
Missing Highway Code petrol issue could land drivers with £100 fine and points on their licence
New Welcome Break service station opens off A1 in Nottinghamshire
'Secret' to extra crispy bacon 'every time' as chef shares 'surprising' cooking tip
Met Office forecast as UK set for coldest temperature of year
