How EVs might change your MOT

The Government says cars are now so much safer, better built and technologically sophisticated that a shift to a first test at four years and then subsequent tests every two years is the way forward. Twenty per cent fewer cars are failing their first test at three years than did in 2009.

A change to four years was first suggested in 2016 but the Department for Transport says the rapid arrival of electrification and new safety systems means it is time for another look. This week it publishes a consultation document outlining its proposals.

It admits such a change would be a big financial hit for the garage trade but says it would save motorists around £100m a year. Incidentally, no changed is suggested to the 2018-introduced MoT exemption for classic cars first registered more than 40 years ago. 

If the change to four years is adopted, it would bring England, Scotland and Wales into line with Northern Ireland as well as several European countries that have already made the change. 

As well as fewer tests, making the inspection fit for purpose should also mean more thorough testing of plug-in cars, both hybrid and fully electric, according to the Department for Transport. Currently hybrids are not tested at all for emissions while neither are there tests to assess the safety of battery systems. A revamped MoT would also prepare the ground for the testing of self-driving vehicles in the future, it is suggested. 

The DfT admits it doesn’t yet know how electrified vehicles’ complex emissions, autonomous and safety systems can be effectively tested by your local MoT station. The tech in today’s cars is all a far cry from the lights, brakes and tyres  roadworthiness check that has been the focus of the MoT test for more than 50 years. 

Diesels do not escape mention in the wide-ranging consultation document. The Government proposes that more effective testing of diesel particulate emissions in the future –  at present an MoT station makes only a visual check of the diesel particulate filter – would go some way to alleviating the risk of increased emissions owing to longer gaps between servicing. 

The Government also admits there would be a risk of more accidents owing to less well maintained cars, but insists the safety implications of a first MoT test at four rather than three years would be “very limited”.

The motoring organisations disagree, however. The AA’s president Edmund King told us: “We totally oppose any change from an annual MoT. The test plays a vital role in ensuring that vehicles on our roads are safe and well maintained. 

“When this proposal was last considered the four-year policy did not obtain public support with many citing concerns over vehicle safety. We do not believe this to have changed over time. Safety items like tyres and brakes can often be deficient after three years. We strongly discourage the Government from extending a car's first MoT to the fourth anniversary due to road safety concerns.”

King added however that the AA did support aspects of the consultation which brought the testing up to date in relation to advanced safety and autonomous systems. 

So three or four years? What do you think? Everyone, individuals to garage owners, is being invited to take part in the consultation. There’s a questionnaire to fill in here, so make your voice heard.