New research shows the motor industry is unanimous in voicing fears for road safety if the date of the first MOT is extended – in particular for electric vehicles.

Research has found electric vehicles have higher MOT failure rate

A consultation by the Department for Transport (DfT) is open until 11:45pm on 22 March 2023 and proposes major changes to the annual MOT for cars, motorbikes and vans – including changing the date of the first test from three years to four years and on altering the frequency of the MOT to make it “fit for the future” and “to balance costs on motorists”.

Motor industry stakeholders have already spoken out, saying that delaying the first MOT would increase the number of dangerous vehicles on UK roads without reducing the cost of motoring – and have launched a petition against the plans.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has also expressed concerns and said it’s received a resounding confirmation – 87% – from its members that the first MOT should not be extended due to increased road safety risk.

This includes for electric vehicles; the IMI’s own in-depth analysis of MOT data has revealed the risks surrounding EVs – which are heavier than ICE vehicles and cause heavier wear to their tyres – will be heightened if the first MOT date is extended. Evidence drawn from MOT testing records supplied to the IMI by the DfT shows that comparative to petrol engine vehicles, electric vehicles are much more likely to fail their first MOT test. Analysis last year by BookMyGarage.com also found that electric vehicles have higher MOT failure rates than equivalently aged hybrid and petrol vehicles.

Research by the IMI among motorists also shows that more than half (51%) agree there would be an increased safety risk from the planned changes. Its analysis also found that 78% of drivers get their MOT and service done at the same time, or that they like to if it’s convenient. Increased intervals between MOTs could leave important maintenance issues unchecked. This is particularly a concern as 26% said they wait to be told if their tyres need changing by the garage that is conducting an MOT or service.

“The IMI’s response to the MOT consultation will strongly advise that increasing the time before a periodic inspection of cars is detrimental for road safety,” concluded Hayley Pells, policy manager at the IMI. “It reduces the frequency of maintenance and inspections that are critical to ensuring that vehicles are in good condition and performing at their best.”

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has also responded to the DfT consultation – and says it’s asking the Government to very carefully consider any changes to the MOT introduction year.

Stuart James, IGA chief executive, said: “Based on the research and member feedback compiled when writing our consultation response, it is clear that any changes made will impact road safety far more than the Government anticipates.

“Not only would extending the period of a vehicle’s first MOT be detrimental to road safety, but it is also our belief that it will cost consumers more money long-term. This includes increased repair costs due to defects taking longer to be picked up, all costs associated with accidents, rising insurance premiums, and additional MOT and repair costs for second owners of cars between three and four years old.”

But research by Startline Motor Finance has found 89% of drivers would back the move to a four-year first MOT. The survey saw 71% say they were confident cars remain safe up to four years old without being tested. Interestingly, reducing costs does not seem to be a major motivation with only 36% saying it would lead to savings for motorists.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “There’s clearly overwhelming public backing for this move, according to our findings. This puts the public very much at odds with the motor industry, which generally believes that a three-year MOT is essential and has been very vocal in criticising the idea.”

Just 10% of those surveyed in the Startline Used Car Tracker think that the extension of the test described in the consultation would affect road safety.

Burgess added: “From a corporate point of view, we very much agree with this 10%. While many cars fly through their three-year MOT test and are still very much in a roadworthy condition when they pass the four-year mark, others don’t.

“You can talk to almost any motor mechanic and hear horror stories about what they have found when they have put cars up on the ramp for their first MOT – from failed suspension parts to tyres with literally no tread. It’s worth remembering that many cars of this age, especially those used on business, have covered a substantial number of miles.”