Proposed changes to the MoT system might be on hold, as parts of the industry are already rallying against the initial idea of increasing the gap between tests to two years.

Earlier this year the transport secretary, Philip Hammond, said that the government was considering different options that would reduce the frequency of MOT testing to reflect more advanced technology and more reliable cars.

He said: "Car technology has come a long way since the 1960s. That's why we think its right to look again to check whether we still have the right balance of MOT testing for modern vehicles."

One option is to move new cars' first MOT tests back, coming at four years old instead of three, after which there would be a two year gap, followed by annual tests after the car reaches six years old.

However, an AA survey found that 67 per cent of the organisation's members would oppose the proposals, indicating that people might be anxious about the effect that less frequent MoT tests could have on road safety.

Car spares provider Car Parts Direct also stands against any potential changes.

Martin Mosley, speaking for the company says: "When we supply a remanufactured steering rack, driveshaft or brake caliper we collect the original unit from the customer. Some are so badly worn they clearly have not been working for weeks or even months."

However, it's not just older cars that can fail MoT tests.

"Over a third of all the brakes we supply are for cars under three years old, which aren't even due for the test," adds Mosley. "Scrapping the annual MoT test is madness."