Motorists were given a bit of slack when it came to servicing their cars during the coronavirus lockdown.
But as of tomorrow, Saturday, August 1, MOT tests are mandatory again.
At the start of lockdown in March, drivers were given a six-month exemption on MOTs to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
It applied to cars, motorcycles, and other light vehicles, if an MOT was due between March 30 2020 and July 31 2020.
Therefore, from tomorrow, the exemption no longer applies.
Drivers need to book their vehicles in for an MOT as they would usually, otherwise they could risk being landed with a fine of up to £2,500.
You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
Here's the latest government guidance:
When you should not take your vehicle for its MOT
You should not take your vehicle for its MOT if you’re self-isolating as you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms.
Shielding advice changes on August 1, however some MOT centres will collect your vehicle, carry out an MOT, and return it for you.
You can register your vehicle as off the road (SORN) if you cannot take your vehicle for its MOT and your vehicle tax is due to run out.
You need to do this because you need a valid MOT (unless your vehicle is exempt) to renew your vehicle tax.
The Department for Transport has been working with insurers and the police to make sure people are not unfairly penalised for not being able to get an MOT.
When you’re no longer self-isolating or being shielded
You must not drive your vehicle before you take it for its MOT.
- Book your MOT test.
- Tax your vehicle when it has passed its MOT. Only do this if you had to register it as off the road.
Keep your vehicle safe to drive
You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.
Find out:
- how to check your vehicle is safe
- what rules you need to follow to maintain your vehicle
You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
