As the UK quickly attempts to adapt to help the stop the spread of Covid-19. Measures have been put in place by the government which has led to confusion for many motorists.
After initially suspending MOT tests for HGVs. The Transport Secretary announced drivers who have an MOT due from Monday 30th March 2020 onwards will be granted a six-month extension because of the covid-19 pandemic.
Does this apply to my vehicle?
According to the government website, if you own a car, motorcycle, light van or other light vehicle, your MOT certificate will be extended by 6 months.
This also includes these types of vehicles that are due their first ever MOT test.
Example:
Your vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 3 May 2020.
This will automatically be extended to 3 November 2020. You will need to get your MOT by this date.
Will this extension be taken away at any point?
It must be stressed that this a temporary measure and the government are keeping this under constant review and may stop extending MOT expiry dates once safe to do so.
How do I check if my MOT has been extended?
You can check your mot expiry date by visiting the government website – Click here.
Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will only be updated three days before your MOT was originally due to expire before.
If the expiry date has not been extended 3 days before it was due to expire, email covid19mot@dvsa.gov.uk.
You need to include these details in the email:
- The date your MOT expired.
- Your vehicle registration number (number plate).
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency will then:
- Update your vehicle’s record.
- Email you to tell you this has been done.
Does this affect my tax and insurance?
- You can still tax your vehicle – you might need to wait to do this until later in the month if both your MOT and vehicle tax run out in April 2020.
- Your insurance will still be valid.
You must keep your vehicle safe to drive
It was made very clear that you must keep your vehicle safe to drive (‘roadworthy’) and it was stated that your vehicle can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.
I’ve been granted the 6-month extension but want to book my MOT test early – Can I do that?
Yes, if you want to book an MOT for any reason, including selling your car, or if you are required to have one by your employer then you can still book one.
The Government have confirmed that MOT centres can continue to operate throughout the outbreak.
An MOT test is designed to ensure the safety of your vehicle and we would highly recommend you book your MOT on our reopening for safety reasons.
What do the government mean by keep my vehicle safe to drive?
Anybody who drives a vehicle on a public road must be aware, it must be roadworthy. The rules regarding this, which can be found in The Highway Code will remain in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During this time, it’s essential to monitor the condition of your car, van or motorbike, undertaking essential checks on the tyres, bulbs, wipers, batteries and more to ensure that it’s roadworthy.
You can find some useful guides to helping you keep your vehicle in tip top shape below:
How to know if your brakes are failing
How to change your headlight bulb
How to check & maintain your car battery
Driving an unsafe road vehicle is an offence that could see you fined up to £2500 and receive penalty points on your licence. But more than that, at this time when our emergency services are being called upon to do more than they ever have done, your actions could result in unnecessary and avoidable pressure on an already stretched system.
