Information that first MOT exams are to stay at three years from registration has been welcomed by automobile dealerships.

It follows a authorities session launched final yr which proposed to extend the preliminary testing interval to 4 years.

The Nationwide Franchised Sellers Affiliation (NFDA) had strongly opposed the proposed modifications citing member considerations over the influence on motorists’ security if the proposed MOT modifications had been to go forward. It stated the announcement represented an ‘extraordinarily constructive’ improvement.

Sue Robinson, NFDA chief govt, stated: “We’re happy that the Authorities has heeded the factors outlined in NFDA’s session response and has made the choice right this moment to take care of the primary MOT take a look at at three years moderately than improve it to 4, as was proposed.

“Within the session, NFDA largely expressed our considerations for motorists’ security and careworn the significance of car security and sustaining the UK’s main security report in roads.”

The NFDA stated it should proceed to work carefully with the Authorities because it seeks to determine a programme of longer-term reform for MOTs and appears to discover modernising the take a look at for electrical autos.

On this, Hayley Pells, coverage lead on the Institute of the Motor Business (IMI) stated: “The choice to additional discover modernising exams for electrical and automatic autos is a constructive step in direction of addressing the distinctive challenges and developments in car know-how.

“We additionally respect the deal with diesel emissions, which is essential for environmental considerations. The conclusion of the session additionally underscores the necessity for ongoing variations in MOT testing to maintain tempo with quickly evolving car applied sciences and environmental issues.”

She added that the IMI’s response to the unique session offered clear proof that extending the date for the primary MOT would considerably improve street consumer danger.

“Particularly, the IMI recognized that the dangers surrounding electrical autos – that are heavier than ICE autos and trigger heavier put on to their tyres – could be heightened if the primary MOT date was prolonged. Proof drawn from MOT testing information equipped to the IMI by the Division for Transport confirmed that comparative to petrol engine autos, electrical autos are more likely to fail their first MOT take a look at.”

Stuart James, chief govt of the Unbiased Storage Affiliation, commenting on the choice, stated: “We’re happy that the Authorities has listened to our considerations and opted to retain the 3-year time interval to first MOT. Public security is paramount, and the choice aligns with our dedication to defending motorists by guaranteeing the continued effectiveness of MOT testing in figuring out potential issues of safety as early as doable.”