The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) is urging the Government to provide the industry with clarification of its intentions over the MoT review as soon as possible.

RMI chairman Colin Parlett speaking at the RMI’s Annual Dinner said: “Last year Mike Penning, Minister for Transport, stood here and said he would shortly be announcing a review of the MoT.

“Twevle months on and we are still waiting for this announcement.”

The RMI wants the Government to reflect on the current scheme and “not necessarily follow the example of our European partners”.

The DfT last updated the industry about the progress of an MoT review in August and said an actual review has not been formally announced and no decisions had been made.

The Government is thought to be in favour of a move to the European system where new cars are tested every four years and then every two years thereafter.

Parlett said: “The existing situation must be addressed as a matter of urgency not losing sight of the fact that the MoT was introduced to improve safety on the road along with a reduction of road deaths.”

The RMI has been engaged with the DfT for some time on the wider issues around the current test and continue to view the review as a positive step.

Parlett said: "There are many areas of the MoT that could be improved and we have been in discussions with the DfT to air our views on what positive changes could be made.

"However this does not deflect our opposition to any change to the frequency of MoT testing.

"After the impending announcement of the review the RMI intend to continue to work with senior officials at the DfT."