Government shelves plans to change MOT test frequency

The Department for Transport (DfT) has also committed to maintaining annual testing after the first MOT, rather than switching to every other year, but has said it will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders and drivers to establish a programme of longer-term reform for MOTs.

The major shake-up of the MOT regime for cars, vans and motorcycles was proposed in January 2023, accompanied by the consultation from the DfT and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which highlighted technological advancements such as hybrid, electric and self-drive vehicles.

At the time, the Government promoted the money-saving benefits of such a move and said the updates could “ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance costs on motorists while ensuring road safety, keeping up with advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions”.