The MOT test is designed to ensure that all vehicles on the road are safe. Some people view the test as an annoying piece of bureaucracy, but it is very important for everyone’s safety. The MOT system protects the driver of the car and pedestrians as well as other road users. The majority of countries in the world now have their own vehicle testing system. Where that system is properly enforced accident and death rates are much lower.

The MOT test was introduced in the UK in 1960. It was a simple test that only checked the brakes, steering and lights. Only cars over the age of 10 years were required to take the test. In 1967 the age limit was changed so that cars of 3 years old or more also had to be tested.

By 1962, commercial vehicles such as buses and lorries were also required to be tested. Regulations for passenger vehicles were tightened in 1983; they had to be tested at just 1 year old. A test for tyre quality and tread depth was introduced in 1968. Prior to that, it was common to see cars running around on almost bald tyres. In the winter, this caused many accidents.

Windscreens, wiper blades, windscreen washer systems, indicators, spotlights, the horn, body structure and exhaust system tests were all added in 1978.

In 1991, emissions tests were introduced. Prior to that, it was not unusual to see vehicles billowing black smoke driving around, in particular heavy goods vehicles. Many cars struggled to pass this test to start with, but now vehicles are much better maintained. Pollution levels in towns and cities dropped steadily once emissions testing were introduced.

Over the years, the MOT test has evolved and has contributed to a steady drop in accidents, which are due to mechanical failure. Checks on seatbelts guarantee that they are effective in the event of an accident, so several lives have been saved that way.

Computerising MOT appointments and certificate production means that getting a fake MOT is now practically impossible. This has pushed the level of tested and therefore, safe vehicles on the UK’s roads up to record levels.

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