[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/is-it-time-to-scrap-the-mot-test\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/is-it-time-to-scrap-the-mot-test\/","headline":"Is it time to scrap the MOT test?","name":"Is it time to scrap the MOT test?","description":"The MOT test is a deeply ingrained part of motoring life. It\u2019s been around since 1960 so most motorists just accept it. However, there have been rumblings from some detractors that the MOT test is outdated and should be scrapped altogether. A report from the Adam Smith Institute claims that ending MOTs would have zero effect on the rate or severity of accidents caused by mechanical failure, which account for just two per cent of accidents on both sides of […]","datePublished":"2018-08-07","dateModified":"2018-08-10","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Is-it-time-to-scrap-the-MOT-test-new-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Is-it-time-to-scrap-the-MOT-test-new-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/is-it-time-to-scrap-the-mot-test\/","about":["BLOG","Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS","Vans"],"wordCount":478,"keywords":["MOT","MOT test","UK MOT"],"articleBody":"The MOT test is a deeply ingrained part of motoring life. It\u2019s been around since 1960 so most motorists just accept it. However, there have been rumblings from some detractors that the MOT test is outdated and should be scrapped altogether.A report from the Adam Smith Institute claims that ending MOTs would have zero effect on the rate or severity of accidents caused by mechanical failure, which account for just two per cent of accidents on both sides of the Atlantic.The think tank goes on to suggest that the UK government would do a better job at improving road safety by focusing on driver error. This is because issues such as speeding, drink\/drug-driving and not using a seatbelt make up nearly two-thirds of accidents in the UK.CostsThere\u2019s also the cost aspect to consider. The average driver is charged almost \u00a3150 in \u2018unneeded\u2019 repair costs, so collectively, scrapping MOTs would save Brits an estimated \u00a3250 million a year. Of course, the Adam Smith Institute realises that simply doing away with MOTs after almost six decades could be too drastic, so has suggested reducing the frequency of MOT tests.It says that, at the very least, the frequency of inspections should be stretched out to once every two years, while the age at which cars must be tested should be upped. In the US, annual safety inspections are not required in most states, and when safety inspections were ditched in some US states, accident rates did not change.\u201cThere\u2019s no evidence that vehicle safety inspections improve vehicle safety,\u201d said Alex Hoagland, the report\u2019s author. Sam Dumitriu, head of research at the Adam Smith Institute, added that MOT tests should be put to the test themselves. \u201cNew evidence from the US found that scrapping similar mandatory vehicle safety inspections had no impact on crash rates,\u201d he commented. \u201cEvidence, not gut feeling, should guide policy.\u201dOutrageAs you\u2019d expect, many motoring authorities have been up in arms over the suggestion of ditching the MOT test. The RAC slammed the idea as \u2018a recipe for disaster\u2019 and \u2018a huge backward step\u2019.Nicholas Lyes, the organisation\u2019s head of roads policy, said: \u201cDrivers would no longer have to do anything routinely to check their vehicles are safe, which could lead to huge numbers of vehicles being driven that pose a danger to all road users.\u201cMore than a third of all cars and vans taken in for an MOT each year initially fail, so clearly the test is picking up some problems that need addressing that might otherwise make a vehicle unsafe.\u201d While the report makes some interesting suggestions, it\u2019s unfeasible to think that the government would seriously consider doing away the MOT so drastically. But what do you think? Is the MOT test past its expiry date? Let us know down in the comments."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Is it time to scrap the MOT test?","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/is-it-time-to-scrap-the-mot-test\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]