Earlier this week, an idea was floated in parliament for the annual MOT test to be replaced with a check every two years in a bid to ease the cost-of-living crisis.
The move to a two-year check would save car drivers around £55 a year along with the costs of any vehicle repairs.
Commenting on the issue, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps noted that “cars have clearly become a lot more reliable than when the MOT, named after the Ministry of Transport, was put in place”. However, any changes would need to meet a “very rigorous safety standard” in order to allay concerns over roadworthiness. How, for example, would the proposed changes reconcile the age and technological superiority between the range of vehicles on the roads today?
Shapps went on to state “I think it’s always right to keep these things under review, but there’s a lot of road to cover before we get to that point.”
The Law on MOT tests
The legal position currently remains that cars must have an MOT test on the third anniversary of registration, and every year thereafter.
Driving without a valid MOT certificate is an offence, for which you could receive a fine of up to £1000.
The only exception to the requirement to have an up-to-date MOT is where the vehicle is being driven to the MOT test, however you should ensure that you have proof of the booking with you in case you are stopped by police.
To check whether you currently have a valid MOT certificate in place, you can enter your vehicle’s registration into the Government’s website here: Check the MOT status of a vehicle – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Call our expert motoring lawyers on 0330 33 22 770 for free initial advice about any motoring offence. Lines are open round the clock. Our specialist driving offence Solicitors look forward to taking your call.