DVSA updates on MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles due from March 30
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has explained what will happen if your car, van or motorcycle’s MOT due date is on or after March 30, including what you need to do to keep your vehicle safe to drive.
From March 30, MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by six months.
This is being done to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
There are different temporary rules for MOT tests for lorries, buses and trailers.
You do not need to do anything to extend your vehicle’s MOT expiry date if it’s on or after March 30.
However, you must keep your vehicle safe to drive.
Your vehicle will be automatically given a six-month MOT exemption.
This will extend your current MOT expiry date by six months.
By example if your vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on April 3 this will automatically be extended to October 3.
You will need to get your MOT by this date.
You can check your MOT history to see when you have been issued an exemption.
It will not be updated straight away, so keep checking back if your new due date MOT is not yet showing.
You will not get a paper exemption certificate.
If your vehicle tax is due, you can tax your vehicle as soon as your MOT due date has been updated.
If your vehicle’s first MOT is due your vehicle will be automatically given a six-month MOT exemption from the date its first MOT was due.
If your first MOT was due before March 30 and your vehicle did not pass your vehicle will not get an extension to its MOT due date.
Your vehicle will need to pass an MOT before you can drive it again.
The government is allowing MOT centres and garages to remain open.
So you can still get an MOT if you need your vehicle:
* To shop for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
* For any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
* To travel to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home
You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive.
It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.
You can be fined up to £2500, be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
You should still take your vehicle to be repaired at the nearest open garage.
