MOT testing reintroduced from 1 August

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The Government has revised the end date of the MOT exemption period

Mandatory MOT tests will be reintroduced in England, Scotland, and Wales from 1 August 2020.

Roads minister Baroness Vere announced the changes on Monday (29 June).

Vehicle owners were granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing on 30 March 2020, with all cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require a MOT test exempt from needing a test for six months. This enabled drivers to make essential journeys to work when it could not be done from home, or shop for necessities.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/133528/drivers-granted-sixmonth-mot-exemption-due-to-coronavirus

As Covid-19 restrictions are slowly lifted, drivers are being encouraged by the government to book a test in advance to ensure vehicles are in a roadworthy condition.

Vehicle owners with a MOT due date before 1 August will still receive a 6-month exemption. However, all vehicles must continue to be properly maintained and kept in a roadworthy condition, and people are able to voluntarily get their MOT sooner should they wish, even if they are exempt from the legal requirement. Motorists can be prosecuted for driving an unsafe vehicle.

Vehicles due for a MOT test from 1 August will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. That is why as restrictions are eased, from 1 August MOT testing will again become mandatory.

“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 over 90% are open across the country. Testing capacity has already reached 70% of normal levels and is steadily increasing.

Read more about keeping your vehicle in a road-safe condition:

• www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-safe