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The UK government has extended car, van and motorcycle MOTs by 6 months. This means if your MOT expiry date is due between 30th March 2020 and 31st July 2020, the vehicle will have an additional 6 months added. The extension has been put in place to help prevent the spread of covid-19.

Your MOT will automatically be extended if your renewal falls between these dates. This will be put into place 7 days before the intended expiry date. You won’t receive a paper certificate, the vehicle record will show the extension.

Gov.uk advise to check your MOT extension 3 days before it is due to expire here

example

Your MOT was due on 3rd May 2020

Your new MOT date will be extended to 3rd November 2020

It is very important to keep your vehicle safe to drive. If there are any issues please do contact local garages to help fix any urgent or dangerous problems.

Check the rules of how to keep your vehicle roadworthy here

If your MOT is due on or after the 1st August 2020, you should book an MOT as normal. MOT centres are now open so drivers are able to do this. We are aware they may be a backlog of bookings, so try to organise your appointment in advance.

Although MOTs are being extended, please do remember to tax your vehicle. The department of transport has confirmed it is working together with insurers and police to ensure that individuals are not unfairly penalised if they are unable to get an MOT in place. Alternatively, you can register your car as off the road (SORN) if you are unable to have an MOT test carried out and your tax is due to expire.

However, you should not take your vehicle for its MOT if either of the following points are relevant to you:

It is possible that some MOT providers are able to collect vehicles, complete an MOT and return the vehicle to you if you are shielding. You will need to contact your local centre to see if this can be arranged. We recommend calling several centres in the hope that one may be available to provide this service for you.

Find out more from gov.uk