MOT Exemption to Go From Three Years to Four

Currently, in Britain, new cars do not need an MOT for the first three years.

However, this could all be set to change next year. Following a public consultation, the number of years a new car can go without an MOT for may rise to four years.

This system has already been applied in Northern Ireland, as well as much of Europe.

The consultation will examine whether these changes should be implemented on the basis that cars have advanced, and now benefit from more advanced manufacturing techniques and technology which has improved safety levels, and should allow cars to stay safer on the road for longer.

The reason for the consultation is based on the increasingly falling vehicle defect figures in cars that are between three and four years old. A recent report showed that in 2006 the number of three or four year old cars which were involved in an accident where around three times higher than they were in 2015.

This change will be beneficial for the consumer, because it means that they will not have to incur the cost of an MOT for an extra year.

The majority of the British public are in consensus with the idea of extending the MOT to four years on new cars – a recent study shows that around 44% of drivers were in favour of the move, while only 26% were against it.

What do you think about the possibility of getting your first MOT on your new vehicle after four years instead of three? Join the conversation on Twitter using our handle, @WinnSolicitors.

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