IMI members against proposed MOT changes

21 March 2023  

The vast majority of garages are against moving the first MOT test from when a car is three years old to when it is four years old, according to an IMI member survey, although in a concurrent poll of motorists, only half were in favour of keeping the MOT start at three years.

Hayley Pells, Policy Manager at the IMI commented: “We received a resounding confirmation – 87% – from our members that the first MOT should not be extended due to increased road safety risk”, explained “And whilst only 51% of motorists we surveyed felt the same, we believe there is sufficient weight of evidence to give the Department for Transport a very clear indication that any change to the start date would be detrimental for all road users.”

Looking at the economic impact on garages, 88% said moving the first MOT would have an effect on garage income, with 60% saying less MOTs would mean will an overall drop in service work.

Hayley continued: “Whilst one in five respondents who run MOTs from their business believe it is fair to assume that any fall in the number of MOTs will free up garage staff and allow them to complete other tasks, the reality is that for nearly two thirds a quarter of their income is dependent on doing MOTs. The wider economic risks of any change cannot, therefore, be ignored.”

She added: “The IMI’s response to the MOT Consultation will strongly advise that increasing the time before a periodic inspection of cars is detrimental for road safety. It reduces the frequency of maintenance and inspections that are critical to ensuring that vehicles are in good condition and performing at their best.”