About 10% of accidents on the Isle of Man involve vehicles where a mechanical fault contributed to or caused the accident. In the UK this figure is 2%. In the UK all private vehicles are tested annually after their third anniversary. In most of Europe vehicles are tested on their fourth anniversary and then every two years. Currently on the Isle of Man there is no mandatory test for private vehicles other than if they are more than 3 years old when first registered. This means they could be used for many decades without being tested. All vehicles need to be maintained to a safe standard particularly as they get older.

The Department is therefore seeking your opinion as to whether additional vehicle testing should be introduced. This might comprise a one off test at 10 or 15 years or possibly regular testing at other intervals. Or should we leave testing as it is currently. Please tell us what you think.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Roadworthiness