Cars, motorcycles and vans won’t need an MOT from 30 March 2020 for the next 12 months to allow essential travel during the lockdown. But “vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work”. And the government adds “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.”
In the meantime, drivers with an expiring MOT before Monday 30 March 2020 will need to get their vehicle tested to stay 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.
