A huge change has been made to MOTs that could see drivers being fined and banned from the roads.
During the first national lockdown, motorists booked to take their vehicle for the test between 30 March 2020 and 31 July 2020 were given a test extension.
Due to the pandemic, the Government automatically certificates for six months.
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But according to the Expres s, many certificates are now due to expire within just a few days.
Not all motorists have signed up for reminder notices - meaning they could simply forget to take their car for a test and risk allowing their certificate to expire.
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has warned drivers affected: “Your vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 31 July 2020.
“This will automatically be extended to 31 January 2021. You will need to get your MOT by this date.”
No further extensions are in place, and vehicles due an MOT from 1 August 2020 need to be tested as normal.
You cannot use your vehicle if its MOT runs out and there are fines of up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.
MOT service and vehicle repair garages have been allowed to remain open during the current restrictions.
Several police forces have reported stopping drivers without valid MOTs over the past few months as many fall foul of the extension.
The Association of British Insurers said insurers will likely be “pragmatic” due to the extension but drivers cannot drive past their MOT cut-off date without a valid excuse.
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A spokesman said: "Motorists should get their MOT in the usual way.
“If this is not possible due to the impact of Covid-19, such as the need to self-isolate, insurers will be pragmatic and not penalise you for something that is out of your control.
“Safety is paramount and it is illegal to drive a car in a dangerous condition, so make sure to check your brakes, tyres and lights before driving.”
