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This new guidance from the Government gives a little more clarification on the current MOT situation...
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-from-30-march-2020
Why have the Government extended MOT dates?
We should all be staying at home and staying safe wherever possible. However, Key Workers still need their cars to get to work and people still need their vehicles to get essential groceries, prescriptions and help vulnerable family or friends.
To reduce spread of Covid-19, the Government decided that extending MOT due dates for a period is sensible to minimise travel and contact, and to keep people who need to be on the road moving, without having to get an MOT at this time.
Some garages are also closing as people become ill or go into self-isolation – or as other parts of businesses such as car sales shut down. Some parts suppliers are not able to supply as normal. Getting an MOT may become increasingly hard.
What will my new MOT date be?
Vehicles that have MOTs due from 30/03/20, will have their date moved 6 months forward – so tests due on 30th March 2020 will become due on 30th September 2020, and so on.
How long will the MOT extension measures last?
The Government will keep this under review to manage the spread of Covid-19.
How does the MOT extension work?
DVSA will start moving MOT expiry dates automatically in the MOT system from 30/03/20. This will initially be done in a few batches, so that after a few days they are working 7 days ahead. That will mean, say, that every Tuesday – the following Tuesday’s tests are moved 6 months ahead.
Some types of test – such as vehicles coming up for their first test and some specialist vehicles may take a little longer – but this should be all automatic.
The new ‘due date’ will appear in the MOT History Service when it is amended – that will enable customers to check it has been done and they can legally use the car for getting to work as a critical worker, or getting necessary shopping.
What about Tax and Insurance during the MOT exemption period?
You can still tax your vehicle and your insurance will still be valid during the MOT extension.
Can I still get an MOT if I want to?
Yes, you can still get an MOT if you wish to. Garages and test stations should be taking all necessary safety precautions and you should follow all safety procedures and maintain social distancing.
You must keep your vehicle safe to drive
You must ensure your vehicle is safe to drive/roadworthy. Just because your MOT expiry date has been extended, does not mean you can drive an unsafe vehicle - and who would want to?!
Get unsafe vehicles repaired
Take your vehicle to be repaired at the nearest open garage if it’s unsafe. These are allowed to stay open during the coronavirus outbreak.
You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
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