MOT mandatory again from 1 August 2020

Mandatory MOT tests for car, motorcycle and van owners in England, Scotland and Wales are being reintroduced from 1 August 2020. Vehicle owners with an MOT due date before 1 August will still receive a 6-month exemption Roads Minister Baroness Vere has announced today (Monday 29th June). Crucially, people are able to voluntarily get their MOT sooner should they wish, even if they are exempt from the legal requirement. The news follows reports last week that the government has been consulting trade and industry about ending the MOT extension.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, drivers were granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing in March to help slow the spread of the virus. However, as restrictions are eased when safe to do so, all drivers whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from 1 August will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.

The government’s decision to reinstate the MOT is an acknowledgement that the tests are important for road safety and needed to ensure that vehicle parts, including tyres, exhausts and brakes are kept in order.

While drivers with an MOT due date before 1 August will still receive a 6-month exemption from testing, all vehicles must continue to be properly maintained and kept in a roadworthy condition. Motorists can be prosecuted for driving an unsafe vehicle.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere commented: “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.”

According to the DfT over 90 per cent of garages are now open across the country. Testing capacity has already reached 70 per cent of normal levels and is said to be “steadily increasing”.

If drivers are vulnerable or self-isolating they should contact their local garage as many are offering pick-up and drop-off services, so drivers can get their car checked without having to visit a garage.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also issued guidance to all MOT testers about safely conducting tests in line with the latest Government advice.