UK motorists ‘strongly support retention of MoT three-year cycle

British drivers were “strongly in favor” of maintaining the first MOT in three years, with a majority expressing concern that an extension would have safety implications.

This is the conclusion of a study by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which found that 67% of British car owners were concerned that extending the MOT would put their lives at risk.

Three-quarters agreed that the typical £35-£45 test fee is a fair price to pay for the peace of mind given that their car is safe and roadworthy.

The government is in consultation to delay the car’s first MOT from three years to four or five years in an effort to save motorists money.

Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, said, “Safety is the number one priority for the automotive industry and the Ministry of Transport is a key component in keeping vehicles and roads safe in the UK.

“Our survey shows that drivers support existing MOT frequencies and there is little desire to change them, despite the rising cost of living.

“If changes to the MOT are to be made, it should enable testing of advanced electric powertrains, driver assistance technologies, and connected and automated features, as drivers value the peace of mind that MOT offers.”

SMMT calls on the government to maintain the first MOT requirement in the third year, and thereafter every year.

AA also asked the government to maintain the current system. More than three-quarters of drivers (77%) do not want to change their annual MOT according to a poll conducted by AA.

The poll of more than 14,500 drivers was conducted following a proposal from the government to change vehicle safety tests from every 12 months to every 24 months.

The survey also found that more than nine in 10 drivers (92%) said the annual MOT played a key role in keeping dangerous vehicles off the road.

“Three-quarters (75%) of drivers said that with advances in driver assistance and various levels of autonomous technology being introduced in cars, this should also be part of annual tests.

Alongside the survey, AA has released photos of vehicles submitted for MOT in hazardous conditions to highlight the types of dangerous faults frequently seen by MOT testers across the country.