Boris Johnsons unprecedented measures to put the country into lockdown for the next few weeks have given many drivers with MOTs due soon cause for concern.
The Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) has confirmed that MOT test are still going ahead during the Coronavirus COVID-19 Lockdown.
In an email from an official representative received 23rd March 2020 reads “I appreciate this is a difficult time for the whole country, at this moment in time there is no exemption or extension from MOT testing and no contingency plan in place.
“If your vehicle MOT expires whilst you are in isolation, then you are only able to drive the vehicle directly to/from a pre-booked MOT test after midnight on the date of expiry of the current certificate. After that time the vehicle must not be kept on a public road until it is re-tested and taxed etc.”
However, at this stage it is unclear if MOT centres will remain open as wider enforcement measures are imposed on the country, please check with your approved MOT centre.
Lorry, bus or trailers will be exempt from needing an MOT for 3 months from the 21st March 2020. You may be able to apply for this depending on your vehicle type.
Do I still need to MOT my vehicle during lockdown?
When to get an MOT check
The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:
- The third anniversary of its registration
- The anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old
Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old – check the MOT fees table to see which.
Driving without a valid MOT will invalidate your insurance and you may be fined up to £1000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.
This information was correct at the time as of 08.37 24th March 2020 however it is being reviewed constantly please visit https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot for driver government updates.