The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging motorists whose MOT is due this autumn to get their vehicle's MOT done as soon as possible to beat the expected rush for tests.
Cars, motorcycles and light vans that were due an MOT between 30 March and 31 July 2020 were given a 6-month extension to help keep motorists moving during the coronavirus pandemic.
Vehicles that are due an MOT from 1 August 2020 will not get an extension and will need to be tested as normal.
There are different rules for MOTs for HGVs, buses and trailers.
DVSA is predicting that September, October and November 2020 are likely to be very busy months for MOT centres.
This is because vehicles that were given an extension and those that would normally be due their MOT will both need to be tested.
MOT guidelines
- Drivers should check when their vehicle's MOT is due and sign up to get free MOT reminders by email or text message.
- If they get an MOT over a month before it's due and the MOT renewal date for next year will change
- If it is up to a month (minus a day) before your due date, the same renewal date next year will apply. Example - MOT is due on 5 October 2020. The earliest a driver can get an MOT and keep the same renewal date for next year is 6 September 2020.
- If the driver gets an early MOT on 1 August 2020. The MOT renewal date for next year would become 1 August 2021.
- Drivers cannot use their vehicle if its MOT runs out. There are fines up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.
Help beat the rush
Chris Price, DVSA Head of MOT Policy, said: "MOT exemptions were issued to allow people to continue to use their vehicles for essential travel during the pandemic.
"We know that MOT centres are likely to be very busy this autumn with double the usual demand. We are encouraging motorists to consider bringing their MOT forward to help beat the rush."
Source: DVSA