The Government is delaying its introduction of changes to the warrant of fitness system for vehicles.
Under the changes, new cars registered after 2000 will need a yearly warrant, instead of a six-monthly check once they are six years old. The newest vehicles will not be tested for three years following an initial inspection.
The changes are taking place three months later than initially proposed.
Vehicles first registered between 2004 and 2008 will receive a 12-month warrant of fitness from 1 January 2014.
From July 2014, annual inspections will be extended to include all light vehicles first registered after 1 January 2000.
New vehicles will get an initial inspection, another when they're three years old, then annual inspections for their lifetime.
Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says the later start dates will provide the sector time to prepare for the changes.
