The extended wait for a government decision on whether to change the frequency of the MOT test is “completely unacceptable” according to the IAAF, and the organisation is urging for clarification on the issue as soon as possible.

The MOT consultation run by the Department for Transport (DfT) from February to March looked at various ways of updating the MOT test in line with vehicle developments, but also brought back the idea of moving the first test from when a car turns three years old when it hits four.

According to IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field, the ongoing uncertainty is causing disquiet in the garage sector: “We’re speaking to independent garages every day and they are really concerned for vehicle and driver safety, given the vehicle defects they see of all ages within their workshops. It is completely unacceptable that the automotive industry, which remained open to provide essential support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, is being made to wait more than six months for an answer on its future and that of motorists’ safety.”

DVSA indicate that 300,000 vehicles approximately fail their first MOT test at three years. Mark continued: “Moving the first test to four years under government proposals poses higher safety risks to motorists and other road users. Delaying vehicle inspections may lead to higher repair costs for motorists who may not know that dangerous faults are developing with their vehicles.

“Furthermore, as the number of new electric vehicles on UK roads is increasing, these are just as likely to fail the first MOT test, underlining the importance of safeguarding the current test regime. DVSA data shows that the failure rate on tyres at first MOT of three years is higher on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) than on diesel vehicles. 57% of all electric vehicles that fail their first MOT test, fail on tyres, compared with 35% of diesel vehicles and 37% of petrol vehicles tested.”