We are currently in a six-month exemption from MOT testing to aid essential travel during the coronavirus pandemic.
From March 30, all car, motorbike and van MOT expiry dates have been extended by six months.
So if your MOT was due on 1 April, it'll now be due on 1 October, confused.com reports. The new MOT date won't appear until your original expiry date has passed.
This means drivers can continue to travel to work if working from home isn’t possible. The extension will run until March 2021.
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You should also keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition, as you can still be prosecuted for driving an unsafe vehicle.
Here are some things you can do at home to keep your car safe and roadworthy.
MOT checklist
A mechanic would usually check these areas:
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Registration plate
Lights
Steering and suspension
Wipers and washers
Windscreen
Horn
Seat belts and seats
Doors
Mirrors
Wheels and tyres
Brakes
Fuel system
Exhaust system
Vehicle emissions
Often a car fails its MOT test because of a simple fault that's easily solved.
Here’s some checks you can do at home:
Lights
Check if all lights are working correctly. This includes:
Rear lights
Fog lights
Brake lights
Indicator lights
Hazard lights
If you've any bulbs that have blown, check your car’s manual to see if you can replace them yourself.
Check that all warning lights on your dash are working too.
Vehicle body and tyres
Take a look at the petrol inlet filler cap. The petrol inlet is where the fuel goes, and the filler cap is what you screw onto it. Look out for any damage to the seal around the cap.
Check if the horn works. It should be loud and clear.
Test the brakes, handbrake and steering wheel. The steering wheel shouldn’t feel loose, and the handbrake shouldn’t pull up too high.
Check all tyres are the correct pressure. Also, check if the tyre tread depth is at least 1.6mm – the legal limit.
Windows and mirrors
Nothing should obstruct your view of the road. Check wiper blades for damage. If they're worn, you can replace them yourself using your vehicle handbook for reference.
Remove sat nav cradles, stickers and air fresheners if they block your view.
Mirrors should be secure and intact.
