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[DogDave]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/proposed-changes-to-make-mots-fit-for-the-future

Consultation on changing first MOT to 4 years old, as well as making it only once every two years which would have potential safety issues as well as things unconnected to safety like noise and emissions.

Personally I’d say not great ideas- but then the MOT is no real guarantee a car is in safe condition so whether it would make that big a difference or not I’m not sure

[TimV]

What is worrying is how many cars fail their first MOT.

[GRMac]

Whenever I see these consultations that the government put out I always get the feeling the decision is already made...

[Genem]

A 2 year interval sounds a particularly bad idea, an old car can deteriorate badly over that period.

I'm just surprised they are not clamping down further as an excuse to make money "for administration costs" !

[Wittsend]

This has been hanging around for the past 10 years or more - it was originally to bring us into line with Europe.

.... and YES the decision has already been made. MoT after 4 yrs from new and then every 2 yrs thereafter.

 

[Exile]

Madness!

The number of euroboxes I see with a headlight, side light or brake light that doesn't work, is bad enough already.

I don't fancy buying a vehicle one and a half years from its last MOT, or nearly four years from new and with no MOT.

Hmm.
Two years from its last MOT - will I remember when it is due?

[Bonnet-rouge]

Living at the other side of the tunnel I’m sort of used to idea of mot every two years , if it’s to bring UK in line with Europe will that mean classic cars built after 1960 will need a mot , here cars built after 1960 need a mot every five years , and about admin costs I wouldn’t worry here the mot is twice the price …

[Wittsend]

You can sign up to a DVLA MoT reminder by email.

You can program the date into your phone calendar.

And if you use one of the bigger garage/dealer chains, you'll get a postcard reminder.

[Richard]

Other side of the pond: mot from the moment the car turns 4. Then every year until it turns 30, after which once every 2 years. After the car turns 50 no MOT at all.

What is a eurobox?

Richard

[Bonnet-rouge]

A eurobox  is basically any modern run of the mill car built in Europe , only exception I think is a Alpha Romeo still has some style , I was once told you’ll need to own a Alpha once in your life , l haven’t as yet so I’ll probably live for ever …

[diffwhine]

I've had several Alfa Romeos... I still having therapy to get over them. The stress of owning Land Rovers and Alfa Romeos has proved too much.

[Matt Reeves]

Given the number of dodgy MOT's around I'm not sure it will make much difference. I've previously mentioned a local tester who runs on alcohol and Peruvian marching powder, and who will pass anything for £50. I'm sure he isn't unique...

[Worf]

Most 3 year old cars that fail their first MOT do so because of the condition of the tyres. Of those that pass, quite a number have advisories for tyres. It will only get worse after 4 years.

[Richard]

And a great quality of forever life at that, without any Alfa Romeo's in it
Richard

[…] I was once told you’ll need to own a Alpha once in your life , l haven’t as yet so I’ll probably live for ever …

[w3526602]

Hi,

Just an idle thought, or two.

The police can check, very quickly, whether your car has an MOT. I am not aware that the same applies to a car's service history.

Could it be argued that a 10,000 mile service will cover all the safety checks that form the MOT? Does that mean one pays twice for the work involved?

Barbara's Hyundai recently had it's third annual service, by the Main Dealer. The scratch on the driver's door was noted. (Somebody from the car parked alongside had placed a bucket full of rubble between the cars. Virtually invisible, unless you poked your head out of the side window to check if the gap was empty, before opening the door.) I believe that can have implications if you later make an insurance claim for other damage?

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