MOT exemption starts on 30 March 2020

Following talk of a possible MOT suspension, the government has clarified the position. Cars, motorcycles and vans will be granted a six-month MOT exemption from 30 March 2020 in order to allow people to carry on with essential travel. This means vehicles that would usually require an MOT test won’t need one from 30 March. However, the government does say “vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work”, adding that “drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We must ensure those on the frontline of helping the nation combat COVID19 are able to do so. Allowing this temporary exemption from vehicle testing will enable vital services such as deliveries to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people get essential food and medicine. Safety is key, which is why garages will remain open for essential repair work.”

Legislation will be introduced on 30 March 2020 and will come into immediate effect for 12 months, following a short consultation with key organisations. Drivers will still need to get their vehicle tested until the new regulations come into place, if they need to use it.

In addition, the Department for Transport reports that it is working with insurers and the police to ensure people in isolation aren’t “unfairly penalised for things out of their control”.

Meanwhile, practical driving tests and annual testing for lorries, buses and coaches have been suspended for up to three months.

In the interim, drivers with an expiring MoT before Monday, who need to use their vehicle, will need to get their vehicle tested to stay legal on the road. And drivers “must not take their vehicle for an MOT test if they’re having to stay at home because of coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms (self-isolation)”.

In any case, all drivers should follow advice on staying at home and away from others and keep at least 2 metres from customers and members of staff at all times.

DVSA will update vehicle MoT details a week before the test is due.

The latest news follows the suspension of commercial vehicle tests.