In March, drivers were granted a 6-month extension to existing MOTs as part of the effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 – but lockdown restrictions now easing, the government’s plan to resume testing from 1st August is set to go ahead.
Although some news sources described the temporary changes to MOT testing as an ‘exemption’ from testing – the temporary government adjustments actually meant some current MOT certificates were actually extended for an additional 6 months.
Which MOT certificates were extended?
If your vehicle was due for an MOT on or between 1st April 2020 and 31st July 2020, an additional 6 months was added to your retest date.
For example, if your test was due on the 1st June 2020, it would now be due for a retest on or before 1st December 2020.
By extended MOTs, the government avoided MOTs unnecessarily lapsing during this time – which would have potentially led to issues with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems and automated fines.
Although MOTs were extended, MOT stations generally remained open – helping to provide an on-going transport infrastructure for keyworkers and the emergency services.
Keeping vehicles safe and legal
Although extending MOTs meant that some vehicles would effectively become ‘overdue’ according to the normal annual testing schedule, the government has stressed how important it is that vehicles are kept legal and roadworthy during this unprecedented time.
Since garages and testing stations largely remained open – even during the height of lockdown – it was still possible to book for servicing and essential work on your vehicle.
Since vehicle owners can have an MOT carried out on their vehicle at any time, it’s actually still possible to voluntarily book an MOT even if your test has been extended during lockdown. If you do decide to have a test carried out and your vehicle fails, you will lose your automatic extension as per the DVSA’s on-going Coronavirus updates.
When will your next MOT be due?
Keeping track of servicing, insurance, tax, and MOT dates can be a challenge ordinarily – so many drivers have found it tricky to calculate their new MOT date if their dates have been extended.
With this in mind, we launched a handy tool that will let you check your revised MOT date with just a couple of clicks and a few details about your car.
Spokespeople from across the motor industry have stressed the importance of planning ahead for rescheduled MOT tests – explaining that the government’s move to extend testing could effectively double the number of tests that will be due from 1st August.
Whether you’ve noticed a problem with your vehicle now – or you’re booking for your rescheduled MOT, it’s important that you get in touch with your MOT testing station as soon as possible. The government has announced that 90% of garages are back to operating at pre-lockdown capacity – although testing capacity currently sits around 70% of pre-COVID-19 levels.
Since you simply will not be able to use your vehicle should your MOT lapse, the message is clear: Even if your test isn’t due until September onwards, planning dates and making plans now could help you avoid unnecessary inconvenience and hold-ups when your MOT is due.
