The Department for Transport (DfT) has extended the current MOT consultation’s closing date from February 28 to March 22, following industry pressure.

The DfT launched the consultation on possible changes to the MOT, last month, including changing the date at which the first MOT for new light vehicles is required from three to four years.

However, the consultation was due to close on February 28, with the industry given just six weeks to respond.

After pressure from the industry, the DfT has now said the MOT consultation will now not close until 11.45pm on March 22.

Stuart James, chief executive of the Independent Garage Association (IGA), said: “After seeing the incredible support for our campaign, and meeting with the DfT and DVSA in conjunction with the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA), I am delighted that our collective concerns have been listened to.

“The initial six-week consultation period was far too short to thoroughly consider the impact that the many complex topics covered within could have on road safety.

“Allowing a further four weeks to the consultation period will enable stakeholders time to appropriately consider and respond to the extensive detail contained within the consultation documents.”

He continued: “While this is good news, we will not relax our efforts to ensure that public are protected from the proposed move to a 4-1-1 MOT frequency and will continue to work with the DfT throughout the consultation period and beyond.

“I encourage everyone to respond to the MOT consultation with their views and sign the automotive trade bodies’ petition to stop the 4-1-1 MOT.”

The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles.

Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan.

Among the proposals, the consultation will consider whether electric vehicles’ batteries should be tested to improve the safety and reliability of EVs, if additional measures should be introduced to tackle excessively loud engines, and how the DVSA can continue to crack down against MOT and mileage fraud.

To have your say about changes to the date of the first MOT test and research into other MOT enhancements click here. 

The consultation closes on March 22 at 11.45pm.