The extension of the first MOT test from three years to four is supported by almost nine out 10 (89%) car drivers, new research shows.

The vast majority – 71% – say that modern cars remain safe up to four years old without being tested, according to March’s Startline Used Car Tracker.

Interestingly, reducing costs does not seem to be a major motivation with only 36% saying it would lead to savings for motorists.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “There’s clearly overwhelming public backing for this move, according to our findings.

“This puts the public very much at odds with the motor industry, which generally believes that a three-year MOT is essential and has been very vocal in criticising the idea.”

He added that it was “striking” that only around one in three people say that the cost of the test is a factor in backing the Government’s proposal.

“It appears that drivers simply have a high degree of confidence in the ability of modern cars to resist any kind of treatment, believing that major faults are unlikely to arise by extending the test for a year,” he said.

Startline’s findings are in stark contrast to the views of fleet decision-makers who have voiced safety concerns over the proposed changes to the MOT. 

Almost two-thirds of fleets would not support extending the first MOT from three years to four, according to a Fleet News poll. 

Government proposals, published in January, include changing the frequency of the vehicle safety test and improving the monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution.

Ministers claim the changes are necessary because today’s vehicles are built better and are more resilient to wear and tear, particularly with electric vehicles (EVs) having fewer moving parts.

The Government says pushing the requirement for the first MOT back from three years to four would also save money.  

However, fleets fear that changing the current testing regime would be detrimental to road safety and suggest that vehicle mileages should be taken into account, rather than just the age of a car or van.

Just 10% of those surveyed in the Startline Used Car Tracker think that the extension of the test described in the consultation, which closes tomorrow (Wednesday, March 22), would affect road safety.

Burgess said: “From a corporate point of view, we very much agree with this 10%. While many cars fly through their three-year MOT test and are still very much in a roadworthy condition when they pass the four-year mark, others don’t.

“You can talk to almost any motor mechanic and hear horror stories about what they have found when they have put cars up on the ramp for their first MOT – from failed suspension parts to tyres with literally no tread.

“It’s worth remembering that many cars of this age, especially those used on business, have covered a substantial number of miles.”

He concluded: “The MOT test plays a part in taking dangerous cars off the road that are a risk to not just their driver and passengers but all road users. It will be very interesting to hear the results of the Government consultation.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research.