Coronavirus (COVID-19): update to MOT test certificate

All cars, vans, and motorcycles due an MOT from 30 March have their current MOT extended for 6 months during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

During this period, we know that many drivers are still getting their vehicles tested.

We are updating the test certificate to remind drivers that if a vehicle fails its MOT, the exemption is no longer valid. A failed vehicle needs to be fixed and pass its MOT before it can be driven on the road.

Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition and drivers can be prosecuted if they drive an unsafe vehicle.

Guidance about your MOT From Golden Hill Garage.

MOT expiry dates are being extended by 6 months to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Eligibility

Your MOT certificate will be extended by 6 months if it was due to expire on or after 30 March 2020 and your vehicle is a:

• car
• motorcycle
• light van
• other light vehicle

First MOT due? The extension also applies to these types of vehicles that are due their first MOT test on or after 30 March 2020.

There are different rules if your MOT expiry date was on or before 29 March 2020.

How the 6-month extension works

Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will be automatically extended by 6 months if it’s eligible. This will be done about 7 days before it’s due to expire.

This means that:

• your vehicle will still have a valid MOT certificate for an extra 6 months
• 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 this month
• your insurance will still be valid
• your vehicle’s record will be updated so the police can see you have a valid MOT

You will not get a new paper MOT certificate with the new expiry date on it.

You must still keep your vehicle safe to drive.

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.

What you need to do

Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will be updated about 7 days before it was originally due to expire.

1. Three days before your MOT was originally due to expire, check the expiry date has been extended.
2. 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

If you take your vehicle for its MOT and it fails

Your MOT extension will no longer apply if you take your vehicle for its MOT and it fails.

Your vehicle will need to be fixed and pass its MOT before you can use it again.

ExampleYour vehicle’s MOT was originally due to expire on 3 May 2020, but has been extended to 3 November 2020.

You take your vehicle for its MOT in August and it fails. You must stop using the vehicle until it’s fixed and passes another MOT test.

If your vehicle tax and MOT run out in May

You cannot renew your vehicle tax until your MOT expiry date has been extended. It will be extended a few days before it was originally due to expire.

This means you might need to wait until later in May to tax your vehicle.

Check that the MOT expiry date has been extended before you tax your vehicle.

Keep your vehicle safe to drive

You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.

Find out:

• how to check your vehicle is safe
• what rules you need to follow to maintain your vehicle

Get unsafe vehicles repaired

Take your vehicle to be repaired at the nearest open garage if it’s unsafe. These are allowed to stay open during the coronavirus outbreak.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Better to Be Safe – If your MOT was due after March 30th Book Your Next MOT Test date with Golden Hill Garage