UK Government Proposes Saving Motorists £100 Million on MOTs
The Department for Transport (DfT) kicked off a major consultation today (18 January 2023) aiming to shake up the MOT system across the UK. The core idea? Delay the first MOT for new cars, vans, and motorcycles from three years after registration to four. This simple shift could save drivers a whopping £100 million annually in MOT fees.
MOT Overhaul to Reflect Modern Motor Tech
Since its launch in 1960, MOT tests haven’t kept pace with rapid advances in vehicle technology. Features like lane-assist, plus the rise of electric and hybrid cars, have boosted road safety and changed how vehicles perform. The government says most new vehicles pass their first MOT with flying colours, and extending the MOT gap won’t compromise safety.
Currently, the average MOT costs around £40, so pushing the first test back by a year could take a bite out of motorists’ pockets. The move also aligns the UK with many European neighbours — Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal all require the first test four years after registration.
Going Green and Cracking Down on Frauds
The consultation isn’t just about when cars get tested; it’s about how they get tested. Plans include beefing up emissions monitoring to tackle pollution. Officials want to introduce tests for harder-to-catch air pollutants like particulate number (PN) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) on petrol, diesel, and hybrids — making sure vehicles stay clean throughout their lifespan.
They’re also looking at:
- Checking electric vehicle batteries for safety and reliability
- Fighting noisy engines with stricter controls
- Cracking down harder on MOT and mileage fraud
Keeping Drivers in the Know
The DfT and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) promise a nationwide campaign to keep motorists updated on any MOT changes. Their goal? To remind everyone of their role in keeping vehicles roadworthy and the roads safe.
With road fatalities from vehicle defects currently very low, the government is confident these changes will keep the UK’s outstanding road safety record intact — while putting more money back in drivers’ pockets.
