Changes to the date of the first MOT test and research into other MOT enhancements
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The Department for Transport consulted about amending the date of the first MOT for cars, vans and motorcycles from 3 to 4 years, as well as areas that could be considered for reform in the future.
Given the significant concerns about road safety that were raised, and that any potential savings made by motorists would be limited by the additional cost of potential defects not identified at the MOT, the government does not intend to proceed in changing the date of a vehicle’s first MOT.
There was support for an improved diesel emissions test and we will consider the results of a recent Driver Vehicle Standards Agency trial before deciding how to proceed. We have also identified 5 priority areas for future reform including electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems.
Detail of feedback received
We received more than 4,400 responses to the combined consultation and call for evidence about reforms to MOT testing.
Original consultation
Consultation description
We are seeking views on whether the first date for a MOT test should be changed.
We are keen to understand:
- when people think the first date should be
- how making a change to this date will affect businesses
- whether we should introduce any other changes to MOT testing
We will use this evidence to inform updates to policy, guidance, best practice and other policy tools across government.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 18 January 2023Last updated 25 January 2024 + show all updates
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The consultation response has been published.
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Consultation closing date extended to 22 March 2023.
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First published.