Mandatory MOT testing to be reintroduced from August 1

Pd Website News Mot Test

Mandatory MOT tests for car, van and motorcycle owners in England, Scotland and Wales are to be reintroduced from August 1, Roads Minister Baroness Vere has announced. But any vehicle with an MOT due date before August 1 will still receive a six-month exemption.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, drivers were granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing in March to help slow the spread of the virus. However, as restrictions are eased when safe to do so, all drivers whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from August 1 will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.

Vehicles that receive the six-month exemption from testing must continue to be properly maintained and kept in a roadworthy condition. Baroness Vere said: “Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.” 

Only some garages remained open to conduct essential services during the coronavirus outbreak, but now more than 90% are open across the country. Testing capacity has already reached 70% of normal levels and is steadily increasing. If drivers are vulnerable or self-isolating they should contact their local garage as many are offering pick-up and drop-off services, so drivers can get their car checked without having to visit a garage.

All vehicles due an MOT between March 30, 2020 and July 31, 2020 are granted an automatic 6-month extension to their MOT due date. Motorists are still able to voluntarily submit their vehicles for testing at any point. Drivers can get an MOT up to a month,minus a day, before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also issued guidance to all MOT testers about safely conducting tests in line with the latest Government advice.