Government grants 6-month MoT exemption from 30 March 2020 for all cars, vans and motorcycles which require an MoT test.
On Sunday 22 March, NFDA wrote to the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP asking for a three-month MoT moratorium. On Wednesday 25 March, the Government communicated that vehicle owners will be granted MoT exemption “in battle against coronavirus”.
The Government said all cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MoT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30 March 2020. The exemption will last six months.
“Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work. Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles”, the Government added.
Practical driving tests and annual testing for lorries, buses and coaches have already been suspended for up to 3 months.
If motorists cannot get an MoT which is due because they are in self-isolation, the Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to ensure people are not “unfairly penalised”.
The temporary MoT exemption is positive as it will allow vital services to continue and aftersales workshops to prioritise essential repair works on critical vehicles.
NFDA welcomes the Transport Secretary’s comments that ‘safety is key’ and aftersales departments will remain open for essential repair work.
Please visit Coronavirus (COVID-19): MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles due from 30 March 2020 for more information.
