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

It follows a authorities session launched final 12 months which proposed to extend the preliminary testing interval to 4 years.

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

Sue Robinson, NFDA chief government, stated: “We’re happy that the Authorities has heeded the factors outlined in NFDA’s session response and has made the choice immediately to keep up the primary MOT take a look at at three years fairly than enhance it to 4, as was proposed.

“Within the session, NFDA largely expressed our issues for motorists’ security and harassed the significance of auto security and sustaining the UK’s main security document in roads.”

The NFDA stated it can proceed to work carefully with the Authorities because it seeks to ascertain 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 Trade (IMI) stated: “The choice to additional discover modernising assessments for electrical and automatic autos is a constructive step in direction of addressing the distinctive challenges and developments in automobile know-how.

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

She added that the IMI’s response to the unique session supplied clear proof that extending the date for the primary MOT would considerably enhance street consumer threat.

“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 data 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.”