The MOT Extension – how does it work and does it apply to you?

With the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic currently affecting the UK, the Government has implemented a rolling 6-month MOT exemption for vehicles with their MOT due. Not sure of how it works or what it means for your car? Trust My Garage has the answers! Read on to find out more.

UPDATE: The DVSA have published further updates to their guidance, stating that if a vehicle fails its MOT, the exemption is no longer valid.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. Read the guidance in full here.

What changes have happened?

The Government issued an instruction on 23^rd March in which the public have been asked to remain at home as much as possible to help curb the spread of the coronavirus currently occurring worldwide. This includes working from home where feasible, minimising contact with other people and remaining in isolation if they believe they have one or more symptoms of the virus.

Critical workers, such as medical staff, delivery drivers and teachers are still being asked to work, and garages have been listed as one of the business types which can remain open to help support people during this time.

What happens if my MOT is due?

The DVSA have announced that MOTs due on or after Monday 30^th March have been granted a six-month extension on a rolling basis – so if your vehicle is due on 1^st April, it will now be due on 1^st October instead.

This process is being applied approximately 7 days ahead of the expiry date of the vehicle’s MOT certificate, so has not yet been applied to all vehicles due for MOT over the coming weeks. For example: every Tuesday, the following Tuesday’s tests are moved 6 months ahead.

The new ‘due date’ will appear in the DVSA’s MOT History service when it is amended. It enables motorists to check their extension has been done and they can legally use that vehicle to get to work as a critical worker, or for purchasing necessary shopping.

What happens if my vehicle needs maintenance or a repair?

The Government have asked the public to ensure their vehicles remain in a safe and roadworthy condition, even when they’ve been granted an MOT extension.

Using any vehicle with defects present on the highway, regardless of its MOT status, is an offence. You can be fined up to £2,500 – and be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

One way of checking if your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition is to ensure it has a valid MOT certificate.

As garages are still allowed to be open during this time, you should be able to contact one of over 3,000 Trust My Garage members and discuss your options. Many garage businesses are now offering a free collection and delivery service to help vulnerable or at-risk motorists, or those who are in self-isolation too.

To find your nearest Trust My Garage member, you can try our handy “Find a Garage” map, or pop in your postcode here:

If you know what your vehicle needs, TMG members can even provide a work estimate online – so you know what service your vehicle will receive, and at what rate! You can also view each garage’s profile to learn more about the business, their opening hours and check ratings from other customers, so you can be 100% confident in the garage you choose to use.

All TMG members subscribe to a Trading Standards-approved Code of Conduct, which includes a strict Customer Charter, and each member upholds the high standards of quality garages designed to support their customers’ needs.

More about Trust My Garage

If you’re looking for more information about Trust My Garage, you can head over to our website, TrustMyGarage.co.uk. We’re also on social media, so check out our Facebook and Twitter profiles to get the latest motoring news and updates straight into your social feeds – and you can even check out our latest TV advert below!

If you’ve got any comments or feedback about your trusted local TMG members, be sure to leave us a comment in the box below!