MOT extensions could cost drivers more

Proposed changes to MOT testing will cost drivers more in the long run and reduce road safety.

That is the view of Jason McManus of Mouths Motor Company, who says plans to extend the period between vehicle safety inspections from one to two years are ill-considered.

He said: “What many people don’t realise is that passing an MOT means that the vehicle meets the basic safety standards at that precise moment in time. It does not mean it will meet those standards a week later – it even says this on the MOT certificate.

“Most drivers will have received an MOT report featuring advisories, stuff they need to keep an eye on and possibly get sorted within the next few months. But some of the advisories that are mentioned can be borderline, at the bare minimum limits. That means if left unattended for two years it is going to have a huge impact on overall road safety.”

New data from the DVSA’s MOT compliance survey found that more than 10% of cars that passed MOTs last year should have failed. This means there are 1.3million cars on the road that could have dangerous defects.

Biennial MOT tests allow time for problems to get worse, which McManus believes might cost motorists more rather than saving them cash.

He said: “Motorists will save the MOT money for two years but it is going to cost them a lot more money in the long run. When the second year comes in, they’re going to be hit with massive repair bills that would have otherwise been picked up in year one.”