Proposals to update MOT tests have been officially cancelled after drivers rejected plans put forward by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Officials had asked for opinions on whether new vehicles should get their first DVSA MOT test after four years instead of the current three.
However, the idea was quickly shot down by motorists and industry experts when it was announced in January 2023.
Part of the DfT’s decision-making came down to safety concerns which were pointed out as part of the consultation.
Officials have accepted there ”remains a need for regular physics checks on safety critical components such as tyres and brakes”.
The report reads: “Due to these components being inherently friction-dependent, they experience wear throughout their use, and can wear below their safe limits without the knowledge of the vehicle owner if a sufficiently early inspection is not carried out.
“Although the legal obligation to maintain a vehicle in a roadworthy condition is that of the vehicle owner, there continues to be statistically significant failure rates in three-year-old vehicles.”
Among cars registered in the last three years, DVSA data from 2021 shows around one in 20 failed to pass the yearly examination.
A total of 5.53 percent of electric cars didn’t meet the grade alongside 5.14 percent of diesel models.
Petrol cars were slightly lower with failure rates for new models down at 3.64 percent.
Guy Opperman, Roads Minister said: “We have listened to drivers and industry, and keeping MOTs in their current form shows once again that we are on the side of motorists.
“By offering clarity on MOT tests, alongside our recent street works consultation and unprecedented £8.3billion to resurface roads, we are helping motorists drive with peace of mind and ensuring Britain’s roads continue to be some of the safest in the world.”
The consultation found that 83.58 percent of respondents wanted the MOT dates for new vehicles to remain at three years.
Only five percent backed moving the dates to four years while just under seven percent wanted it pushed to five years.
Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, confirmed that polling by the breakdown group had shown drivers “overwhelmingly” supported keeping annual MOT to keep their cars safe.
Neil Barlow, Head of Vehicle Policy at DVSA, also threw his support behind the announcement. He explained: “Ensuring the MOT remains fit for the future is a key part of DVSA’s work and getting ready for new technology will help keep Britain’s roads safe.
“We hope, this positive news will provide some certainty for garages to enable the investment in new technologies that could be needed to keep the MOT at the forefront of road safety and the environment.”
