Extension for MOT ends August 1


The British government has confirmed the six-month MOT extension, which was introduced during the lockdown, will be stopped for vehicles with an MOT due on or after August 1.

The MOT certificate will not be extended if a vehicle’s MOT expires on or after August 1, 2020. In this case, motorists are urged to book their test as usual. Motorist are reminded that they can take their MOT test up to a month (minus a day) prior to the date due without losing the their current expiry date.

The six-month extension remains in place for vans, cars or motorcycles whose MOT expiry date is between March 30 and July 31, 2020.

This news has been welcomed by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.

Sue Robinson, NFDA director said: “It is positive that the Government has confirmed the MOT extension currently in place will be stopped for vehicles whose MOT is due on or after August 1.

“Following the lockdown and the long period when vehicles remained unused and often unserviced, there may now be a lot of potentially unroadworthy and dangerous cars on the road. Ending the MOT extension is a step in the right direction to ensure safety as more people return to work and roads get busier.”

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) also welcomed today’s news. Its chief executive, Stuart James commented: “The news will give clarity to garages and allow them to plan for the busy period ahead.

“This is a welcome retraction of a policy doubtless designed to provide relief to motorists. However, this additional month will allow at least one million unroadworthy cars to remain on the road for an additional six months, as well as the 1.6 million dangerous vehicles that have already had their MOT extended.

“With road traffic increasing, people being encouraged to use their cars rather than public transport, and further lockdown measures easing on July 4, we believe this additional month will leave a number of motorists with an accumulation of faults and repair costs when they are least able to afford them.”