totallymotor.co.uk Logo

News Story

One in five cars fails first MoT

Wednesday, 07 May 2008 13:22
The chances are this car would fail its MoT, but would yours?
Research acquired through the Freedom of Information Act reveals that 21 per cent of three-year-old cars fail their first MoT test, a higher failure rate than a number of European countries that only conduct roadworthiness tests after four years.

"The high UK failure rates may argue against relaxing our MoT testing regime from three to four years on road-safety grounds. But do we have the full picture?” said Neil Greig, director of the IAM Motoring Trust.

"A Treasury-sponsored review in 2006 suggested that the UK practice of 'gold plating' the European minimum for roadworthiness testing was costing motorists £465 million a year," Mr Greig continued.

"As a result, the Department for Transport (DoT) prepared a consultation that was due out in the summer of 2007 but has not appeared. In the meantime, motorists have seen no action and may have incurred nearly £1bn in costs for the current MoT testing system. Who can blame them for worrying about being ripped off?"

A survey conducted the IAM Motoring Trust in 2007 showed motorists were aware of the essential nature of the MoT, but suspected failures were influenced by a garage's wish to carry out unnecessary work.

"It’s time for government to get MoT testing out of the 'all too difficult' box; motorists have waited too long for answers to important questions," Mr Greig concluded.

Mr Greig also questioned why so many UK cars fail the first test after just three years, when three-year warranties and service agreements are common.

"Is it because garages do the MoT test before the three-year warranty service instead of after it, which fuels motorists’ suspicion that the MoT is being used to show that the service has been done properly?"

"Do manufacturers’ service schedules not cover all the points needed to pass a MoT test – if not, why? Are high failure rates down to motorists failing to maintain their cars properly?"

Related Stories 

Motor Vote 

  • Car of the Year 2008

    The retro charm of the all new Fiat 500 conquered the hearts of the judges and won the coveted European Car of the Year Award 2008. But do you agree with the judges? Full Story

Motor View