by Stephen Slominski
The government has moved to exempt all cars, vans and motorcycles from needing an MOT test for six months from 30 March.
Article continues after this message...
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.
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.”
Legislation will be introduced on March 30 and will come into immediate effect for 12 months, following a short consultation with key organisations. Drivers will still need to get their vehicle tested until the new regulations come into place, if they need to use it.
MOT details will be updated by DVSA a week before the test is due.
For vehicle owners who are unable to get an MoT because they are in self-isolation, the Department for Transport says it is working with insurers and the police to ensure people aren’t unfairly penalised for things out of their control.
Practical driving tests and annual testing for lorries, buses and coaches have been suspended for up to three months.
Advice on keeping a vehicle in a good condition can be found here.