How Does COVID-19 Affect my MOT?

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus, UK citizens have been told to stay indoors for all but essential travel, however you may venture out of the house for the following reasons:
• Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
• One form of exercise a day (a run, walk, or cycle) - alone or with members of your household
• Any medical needs, including to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• Travelling to and from work, assuming you cannot work from home

At this time, we do not know how long our lockdown is going to last and this has raised concerns for motorists. Many have been preparing their vehicles for the upcoming MOT test. But if garages are closed, what does this mean?

My MOT test is due, what do I do?

The Government has granted a six-month exemption period of car MOTs due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many garages have shut their doors to help prevent the spread of the virus. For anyone who has a vehicle MOT expiring from 30 March will have six months to get it renewed, if your car’s MOT expired before 30 March you’re going to need to get it renewed if you’re planning to drive the vehicle at present.

Grant Schnapps, Secretary of State for Transport, made an announcement advising motorists that they must keep their car’s in roadworthy condition and garages will remain open for repairs. If you’re staying at home to comply with the current lockdown situation or for any other reason, and you have a MOT test expiring after 30 March, you do not need to get it renewed until the lockdown is over.

MOT tests for busses, HGVs and trailers have been suspended for three months due to COVID-19.

MOT centres and garages can remain open; however, many have made the difficult decision to close to protect their staff and customers, which means motorists are finding it difficult to get their car serviced or MOTd at this time. Many garages are still offering to service cars belonging to key workers.

If you seek any further information regarding the MOT test and the COVID-19 exemption period, please visit www.gov.uk

Are you a key worker and need help finding someone to carry out garage repairs? We can help! Enter your reg number today and we will gather quotes from mechanics in your local area – www.mycarneedsa.com/get-a-quote/