Drivers could save money through proposed MOT rules that change test timings

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Officials are seeking opinions on proposed plans which could save new car owners money, however some have argued the move could put road users in danger.

The Department for Transport (DfT) launched a public consultation, asking motorists if the first MOT for a new car should be four years after it has been purchased.

Right now, new cars must sit their first MOT at least three years after purchase.They have also stated that MOTs should be updated to test more recent technology such as lane-assisted driving.A joint Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) statement read: "To ensure MOTs remain fit for the future, the consultation launched today is seeking views on proposals to change the date at which the first MOT for new light vehicles is required from 3 to 4 years."The average MOT costs £40 and the move could save motorists across Great Britain around £100 million a year in MOT fees."The DfT and DVSA argue that most new cars pass their MOT after three years, and having a first MOT four years after purchase is already commonplace elsewhere in Europe.The consultation additionally seeks to collect views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of a vehicle's emissions Previous research conducted by the RAC found that drivers believe increasing the time between MOTs would be dangerous.

Commenting on the proposals, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "While we’re not opposed to delaying a new vehicle’s first MOT, we believe there should be a requirement for particularly high mileage vehicles to be tested sooner."If the Government is looking to improve the MOT, now is the ideal time to take into account how much a vehicle is driven, alongside the number of years it’s been