MOT exemptions end in August

The Department for Transport has announced that the six-month MOT exemption for cars, vans and motorcycles will end on 1 August.

The exemption was imposed to enable key workers to continue driving during lockdown.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: “As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. That’s 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.”

Chris Price, head of MOT policy at DVSA, said: “MOT testing was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic as a temporary measure to enable vital services to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people to get essential food and medicine.

“In line with the government’s easing of the lockdown measures, the six-month MOT exemption for cars, vans and motorcycles will end on 1 August. Most MOT garages are open, and we encourage drivers to book a test now to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy.

“Our priority is to help people keep their vehicle safe to drive and having an up to date MOT is key to this.”

Meanwhile, Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association, said: “Following the lockdown and the long period when vehicles remained unused and often unserviced, there may now be a lot of potentially unroadworthy and dangerous cars on the road. Ending the MOT extension is a step in the right direction to ensure safety as more people return to work and roads get busier.”