The government has announced that mandatory MOT testing is to be reintroduced on August 1 following motorists being granted a six-month extension throughout the coronavirus crisis.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) gave motorists whose car, van or motorcycle MOT expired after March 30 a six-month extension, in a bid to make sure people remained at home as much as possible.
However, the latest announcement means that those with an MOT expiring from August 1 will have to have a mandatory MOT, with no extension being granted after that date.
Those with an expiring MOT in the period up to that, though, will still be have an automatic six-month extension – meaning if your car’s MOT expires on July 31, it doesn’t have to (by law) be tested until January 2021.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. That’s why as restrictions are eased, from 1 August MOT testing will again become mandatory.
“Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.”
Despite the MOT extension, many motorists are still choosing to have their car checked as normal, with the DVSA saying that testing has already reached 70 per cent of normal levels, and is continuing to rise.
Despite the extension still applying for vehicles with an MOT that would have expired between March 30 and August 1, the DVSA is stressing that vehicles must still be kept in roadworthy condition and that drivers could face prosecution if they’re using a vehicle with defects.
Motorists that are vulnerable or still self-isolating that need to get an MOT are asked to speak to their local garage as many are offering to collect and drop off vehicles. Safety guidance surrounding preventing the spread of the virus has also been issued to garages.
