DfT considers new MOT test for electric vehicles and safety systems

New rules to improve safety around electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are being proposed by the European Commission (EC).

While the UK decides its own rules for MOT testing, the Department for Transport (DfT) says that any new proposals from the European Union will be considered alongside the existing regime.  

The new EU rules aim to introduce enhanced inspections of EVs and advanced driver assistance systems for its so-called periodic technical inspections – the equivalent of our MOT.  

It says current rules are outdated and “no longer sufficient to keep up with the rapid progress in vehicle technology”.

According to the EC: “Current testing methods have not been adapted to advances and roll-out of new technologies, such as advanced driver assistance features, and electric vehicles.”

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, said: “By modernising our roadworthiness rules we are harnessing the latest technology, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring they keep pace with the evolving realities of mobility.”

The proposals will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council. Once agreed, the Commission will prepare the required delegated and implementing acts for certain aspects of the implementation of the new rules.

The DfT told Fleet News that it “continually reviews the MOT system to ensure road safety and environmental standards are maintained. Any proposals for the European Union will be reviewed”.

The Government announced at the start of the year that the frequency of the MOT testing regime would not change.  

It had launched its consultation in January last year to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology and tackling vehicle emissions.

Proposals included changing the frequency of the vehicle safety test and improving the monitoring or emissions, with the Government saying the pushing requirement for the first MOT back from three to four years would save money.

However, it decided that there would be no changes, meaning the first MOT will still be taken three years after a new car, van or motorcycle is registered, with subsequent tests every year after that.