25 January 2024
Following a consultation, the Government has confirmed that the first MOT will remain at three years from registration. Every subsequent MOT will also continue to be taken once every year, ensuring motorists can continue to drive with peace of mind. This was the position laid out by The AA on behalf of its members.
Analysis from the AA suggests that an annual MOT can potentially save drivers between £200 and £400 as picking up developing faults each year means drivers aren’t hit with higher repair bills further down the road.
The consultation sought views to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions.
To ensure MOTs are fit for the future, the Government will further investigate how to better monitor diesel vehicle emissions through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This will include whether testing should do more to ensure that diesel vehicles comply with emissions regulations.
With the constantly improving technology of modern-day cars and Electric Vehicles (EVs), the Department for Transport (DfT) will continue to work closely with experts like The AA, and drivers to establish a programme of longer term, reform for MOTs.
To ensure they remain fit for the future, the Government is exploring a more effective test for diesel particulate emissions, whether further improvements could be made to the MOT for electric vehicles and the transfer of some larger zero-emissions vans to more standard, car-style MOT testing. DfT will also monitor technological developments that could require an altered MOT, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, said: "AA polling showed drivers overwhelmingly (83%) supported the annual MOT for keeping their cars and other cars safe. With one in 10 cars failing their first MOT, we fully support the Government’s pragmatic decision to maintain the first MOT at three years and annually thereafter.”