MOT Extended by 6 Months for Cars, Motorcycles and Light Vehicles

MOT Extended by 6 Months for Cars, Motorcycles and Light Vehicles

The Department of Transport has granted a temporary 6 months exemption to motorcycles, cars and light vehicles that expired on or after March 30, 2020.

The decision is made in light of the uncertain situation of COVID-19. This decision will help to stop the slow spread of COVID-19 between people.

What Vehicle Owners need to do 

Vehicle owners do not have to bring their vehicles to the MOT garage if their vehicle was due for MOT from March 30, 2020.

People got an automatic MOT exemption for six months from the expiration date of their MOT certificate.

For example if owner's vehicle was due for MOT on April 5, 2020. This has been automatically extended until October 4, 2020. You must do your MOT again before this date.

MOT status can be checked on gov.uk website to see when the MOT exemption has been granted. The latest MOT status may take a while to appear.

Please note that no paper exemption certificate has been issued to the vehicle owners.

Car's 1st MOT

This decision also applies if this is the first technical inspection of your vehicle. No action is required.

What if the MOT failed before March 30, 2020?

Vehicle owners will not receive the MOT extension if their car's MOT expires and the MOT fails before March 30, 2020. They will need to take the MOT certificate before hitting the road.

What if the motor vehicle tax is due?

If road tax on motorbikes, cars and light vehicles are due, owners can tax them once their MOT status is updated.

MOT inspection centers and garages

MOT garages and test centers can stay open as announced by the government, so people can get MOT if they need their vehicle for basic, urgent and emergency work.

It's a good move the government has taken, driving schools in Lowestoft said. People could use their vehicles to get medicine and food and to help the most vulnerable. People could also drive to work, like NHS people who are key workers.

Remember that it is always the owner's responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is in working order even after 6 months has been granted.

You can save lives by staying at home. Read our previous article on coronavirus and driving laws in the UK which explains all the necessary driving information you need to know during Coronavirus.