Majority of UK drivers oppose changing annual MOT, AA Survey Shows

A recent AA survey has found that 77% of UK drivers are opposed to the government’s proposal to change the annual MOT vehicle safety test to a biennial test.

The poll, which received responses from over 14,500 drivers, also revealed that 92% of respondents believe the annual MOT is crucial for keeping dangerous vehicles off the roads.

The AA has released a series of photos (above) depicting vehicles with hazardous faults submitted for MOTs, including a broken wing mirror, a bald tyre, heavily scuffed brake discs, a damaged seat belt buckle, and a ripped undertray.

The images underscore the types of faults regularly detected by MOT testers across the country.

A government consultation considering the proposal to change the MOT frequency and move the first MOT to four years rather than three, closed on Wednesday.

The consultation also sought input on expanding the items checked during the MOT, to account for the rise of electric vehicles and the introduction of partial and fully autonomous vehicle technology.

The AA’s submission to the consultation argues against changing the testing frequency, but supports modernising the MOT requirements.

Jack Cousens, Head of Roads Policy for the AA, said: “On safety grounds alone, it would be foolish to move away from an annual test and indeed moving the first MOT to four years, as many cars show up with brake or tyre defects in that period.”

“Our photos are evidence that some vehicles are kept on the road in varying degrees of disrepair, with more than a quarter (27.88%) of cars and vans initially failing their MOT.”

Cousens added, “Modernising and future-proofing the MOT is a natural next step and will help give consumers confidence should they purchase an electric car, one with highly complex driver assistance packages, or indeed a connected car.”

The survey also found that 75% of drivers would like to see the inclusion of driver assistance and varying levels of autonomous technology in the annual test.

Additionally, 20% of drivers believe it is worth investigating if MOTs can be carried out away from garages, using connected car technology to help drivers stay on the road.

These findings are likely to influence the government’s decision on whether to move forward with the proposed changes to the MOT system.

As the debate continues, the importance of road safety and the need to adapt to emerging vehicle technologies remain key considerations for UK drivers and policymakers.