Author
From a safety issue, 6 months is too long, they should have gone for 3 months & then re-evaluated, I've seen too many bags of to not have an MOT for 6 months.
Posted 25 March 2020
MOT tests to be extended by 6 months, if yours is due from 30 March
Update 1
The Gov website says that this exemption finished on 31 July, so if your MOT expired after that, you need to get it seen to right away: gov.uk/get…mot
Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
@grantshapps
·
18m
Given the circumstances I'm granting an MOT temporary exemption so that if your MOT is due from 30th March 2020 you will automatically receive a SIX-month extension. However, you must still keep your car in a roadworthy condition and garages will remain open if you need repairs.
@grantshapps
·
18m
Given the circumstances I'm granting an MOT temporary exemption so that if your MOT is due from 30th March 2020 you will automatically receive a SIX-month extension. However, you must still keep your car in a roadworthy condition and garages will remain open if you need repairs.
Community Updates
210 Comments
sorted by
jo-bb25/03/2020 10:11
I was in the same boat, garage called yesterday to cancel as they are …I was in the same boat, garage called yesterday to cancel as they are closing.
You don't need to mot a boat.
richp25/03/2020 09:34
From a safety issue, 6 months is too long, they should have gone for 3 …From a safety issue, 6 months is too long, they should have gone for 3 months & then re-evaluated, I've seen too many bags of to not have an MOT for 6 months.
Lets be honest, most people will only be driving for essential travel. the amount of miles individuals will do will dramatically reduce, which means that the items that are checked in an MOT will last longer by nature.
Also lets consider what is covered in an MOT and individuals personal responsibility.
Lights - personal responsibility - you can check your lights work
Horn - personal responsibility - you can check your horn works
Exhaust and emissions - personal responsibility - you can hear if your exhaust is blowing
Doors and openings personal responsibility - you can check if your doors open
Bodywork - personal responsibility - you can check the condition of the car
Seats and seatbelts - personal responsibility - you can check if your seat beat clicks in and out.
Tow bar = - personal responsibility - you can check that your tow bar is secure before using.
Vehicle identification - personal responsibility - you can check that you are driving your own car
Wheels and tyres - personal responsibility - you can check the condition of your tyres
Windows and mirrors - personal responsibility - you can check you have mirrors and no big cracks in your window.
the two items below that could create issues in terms of satefy, but still common sense and personal responsibility should aim your choice to drive your car or not.
Brakes - personal responsibility - if you hear a grinding noise when you brake, very bad juddering THEN don't drive.
Steering - personal responsibility - if your steering wheel feels loose, and has "play" THEN don't drive.
The MOT requirement will have changed, but individual personal responsibility has not, for example
If you have 10 months MOT but need a new tyre, You would not wait for the next MOT,
SO lets hope car garages do stay open for essential repairs such as Brakes, steering and suspension.
Also, I am putting my neck out with this post, and i know some "virtue signalling" people will tell me how wrong I am for having an point of view. (edited)richp25/03/2020 09:34
From a safety issue, 6 months is too long, they should have gone for 3 …From a safety issue, 6 months is too long, they should have gone for 3 months & then re-evaluated, I've seen too many bags of to not have an MOT for 6 months.
an MOT only tests the car at the point of test, it can be unroadworthy as soon as you drive it away from an MOT and happily drive around for up to 13 months before the next one
Toonarmy6925/03/2020 10:16
Why an mot extension?My 19yr old has to work at the garage which is still …Why an mot extension?My 19yr old has to work at the garage which is still trading so it doesnt make sense to give out the extension unless they close the garages!
Nothing to do with garages, more to do with unnecessary travel/contact. i.e. One mechanic doing 10 MOTs in a day is essentially the same as 11 people coming into close contact, then going home to their families. (That's if the car was only used by one person, with no passengers).
If any one person in that chain is infected/infectious then it potentially spreads down the chain of contact.
A car is a sealed box, full of surfaces which can support viral contaminants for extended periods of time.
MOTs (for the most part) are a routine requirement, not a maintenance thing. If a car is known to require work to be safe, then the MOT is irrelevant. Same as jobs: Essential versus non-essential. Car not safe? Get it fixed, as this is not restricted. Car needs a piece of certification just "because"? Let's not do that just now, at a time of crisis.
And just because you've got 6 months extended MOT it doesn't mean you should wait 6 months to get it retested - if the lockdown eases and MOT stations reopen you should get your car tested as soon as you can.deals6925/03/2020 09:35
My mot expires on the 30th of July, does this mean I get 6 months ontop or …My mot expires on the 30th of July, does this mean I get 6 months ontop or would it expire 6 months after 30th march. Thanks
It's on the gov website linked above...
What you need to do
You do not need to do anything to extend your vehicle’s MOT expiry date if it’s on or after 30 March 2020. However, you must keep your vehicle safe to drive.
Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption. This will extend your current MOT expiry date by 6 months. (edited)- Author
Diablo225/03/2020 10:51
Lets be honest, most people will only be driving for essential travel. the …Lets be honest, most people will only be driving for essential travel. the amount of miles individuals will do will dramatically reduce, which means that the items that are checked in an MOT will last longer by nature. Also lets consider what is covered in an MOT and individuals personal responsibility.Lights - personal responsibility - you can check your lights workHorn - personal responsibility - you can check your horn worksExhaust and emissions - personal responsibility - you can hear if your exhaust is blowingDoors and openings personal responsibility - you can check if your doors openBodywork - personal responsibility - you can check the condition of the car Seats and seatbelts - personal responsibility - you can check if your seat beat clicks in and out.Tow bar = - personal responsibility - you can check that your tow bar is secure before using.Vehicle identification - personal responsibility - you can check that you are driving your own carWheels and tyres - personal responsibility - you can check the condition of your tyresWindows and mirrors - personal responsibility - you can check you have mirrors and no big cracks in your window.the two items below that could create issues in terms of satefy, but still common sense and personal responsibility should aim your choice to drive your car or not. Brakes - personal responsibility - if you hear a grinding noise when you brake, very bad juddering THEN don't drive. Steering - personal responsibility - if your steering wheel feels loose, and has "play" THEN don't drive. The MOT requirement will have changed, but individual personal responsibility has not, for example If you have 10 months MOT but need a new tyre, You would not wait for the next MOT, SO lets hope car garages do stay open for essential repairs such as Brakes, steering and suspension.Also, I am putting my neck out with this post, and i know some "virtue signalling" people will tell me how wrong I am for having an point of view.
Your not wrong with having a point of view & a valid one at that, but your dealing with the general public here, when they turn up (most not all) with bald tyres, no washer fluid, lights out & a list of advises from last years mot, you know you are onto a loser. 
Great news
Master_Yoda25/03/2020 12:07
On the flip side, just think what would fail an MOT then... that is now …On the flip side, just think what would fail an MOT then... that is now going to be on the road for 6 months putting your life and everyone else's in danger
The number of accidents with vehicle defects as a factor is minuscule - 2-3% in fact (source: DfT RAS50) so it's unlikely to result in carnage on the roads.
What is far more likely to have an effect in the current situation: Stress/inattention, road defects not being fixed due to lack of staff, impaired driving due to people drinking more, careless driving because people think they can pish the limits on the quiet roads.
deleted228480725/03/2020 09:46
Who knows , as ever it`s worded ambiguously
Doesn't seem ambiguous to me -
"Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption. This will extend your current MOT expiry date by 6 months.
Example
Your vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 3 April 2020.
This will automatically be extended to 3 October 2020. You will need to get your MOT by this date."joxeruk200025/03/2020 10:27
It’s going to be mental in six months when you need to book it in for an MO …It’s going to be mental in six months when you need to book it in for an MOT. Six months of back log.
Not how it works. See above.Toonarmy6925/03/2020 10:16
Why an mot extension?My 19yr old has to work at the garage which is still t …Why an mot extension?My 19yr old has to work at the garage which is still trading so it doesnt make sense to give out the extension unless they close the garages!
Garages do more than MOTs. They're still going to be needed for essential repairs, but not having to do MOTs will ease their workload, meaning staff come into contact with fewer people even if they still have to work.- Author
NICKF25/03/2020 17:20
I get that the Govt has done this to help people instead of SORNing a car …I get that the Govt has done this to help people instead of SORNing a car however I’m pretty certain it will be a different case with the insurance company. Are they willing to accept the 6months ???
The Department for Transport said the move won't hit any insurance claims during the period because they will be effectively extending MOT certificates meaning they will remain valid for insurance purposes.
BBC News
(edited) 
My mot expires on the 30th of July, does this mean I get 6 months ontop or would it expire 6 months after 30th march. Thanks
That reminds me I must SORN my car today lol- Author
Dan25/03/2020 09:48
Looks to me from this - …Looks to me from this - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-before-30-march-2020 - that is you are not self-isolating, or don't live with someone with virus symptoms, they are still expecting people to go.Perhaps they will clarify in the coming days, as i expect a lot of garages are closed or fully booked
We are fully booked with MOT's until middle of April, well we may not be now 
It’s going to be mental in six months when you need to book it in for an MOT. Six months of back log.
Master_Yoda25/03/2020 12:00
This is a dumb thing to say. A car that has passed its MOT will be a …This is a dumb thing to say. A car that has passed its MOT will be a million times safer than a car that has not had an MOT for 6 months. Probability alone would mean that cars which have passed their MOTs will be significantly safer than cars that haven't. The longer the length of time from which a car has been inspected and checked, the higher the probability the car will be unsafe and dangerous. Also, most people do NOT pay for work on their car unless forced to i.e. an MOT forces people to maintain their cars. Most people haven't got a clue how to properly maintain or check their cars.
No, Check the car yourself, Simple. If you haven't got enough brain cells to check the basics then who's really dumb?
An MOT is likely to highlight most faults I agree but by extending the MOT 6 months on the balance of safety makes sense as it's an unnecessary journey really. In theory there are going to be less cars on the road. You should be doing minimum amount of miles etc..
The only things you'll struggle to easily check is corrosion and things like that.
If your car makes any weird noises, drives funny or has any warning lights displayed then have it checked out etc..
Yes an MOT is important but I'm sure under the circumstances it's justifiable, Please make sure you check your car over regularly. Lights every week, Fluids every month etc..
And if you're concerned about the safety of your own car then have it checked out and remember the key point every other driver on the road is an idiot and should be treated as such (edited)
This is going to have a really long knock on effect. Not only the large backlog in 6 months time, but for years to come garages are going to be quiet April-September which will affect their cashflow. They should have extended EVERY car by 6 months, then the backlog won't exist and won't clash with cars the run out of MoT after 6 months, and the work will continue to be even around the year.
Master_Yoda25/03/2020 12:31
Yes
Bloody typical. I haven't benefited at all from the virusspoo25/03/2020 14:00
Hmm, so a few million cars will all have MOTs which expire on the same …Hmm, so a few million cars will all have MOTs which expire on the same day. Is it just me that sees a slight snag with that plan?
No snag at all - if you are sensible you won't wait the full 6 months to test you will try and get it tested as soon as is possible. And they won't all be on the same day - any date AFTER the 30th March not specifically THE 30th of March, ones MOT could be due in April, May, June etc. and it's 6 months after your due date get the idea? (edited)spoo25/03/2020 15:17
The message I responded to stated the MOTs will expire 6 months after 30th …The message I responded to stated the MOTs will expire 6 months after 30th March, not 6 months after the original expiration date. If that's correct, you would see millions of cars with MOTs due on 30th September. You can only book MOTs up to a month before the due date, that's a huge number of cars for MOT centres to check in addition to their usual September business.
And if you could have been bothered to check the Gov link you would have seen this:
"Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption. This will extend your current MOT expiry date by 6 months."
So no it's not correct to assume millions of cars with mot's due in September.Master_Yoda25/03/2020 11:35
This is a joke - I literally just had my MOT done as had no choice. Are …This is a joke - I literally just had my MOT done as had no choice. Are they going to refund me?? Also cars without an MOT for 6 months will lead to more deaths and accidents. If a car has not been checked and deemed roadworthy, it shouldn't be on the road - no ifs or buts. There was no issue with people getting their MOTs done. If you're self isolating, you would only need a couple of weeks extension at the most, NOT 6 months!?? Also lots of garages can collect and drop off cars for MOTs. Absolutely dumb decision.
Turn the news on mate, there is a deadly virus going round that's far more likely to kill people than a few faulty cars on the roads.- No offence but why do people leave their MOT till last minute, they can be booked 30 days in advance without losing any days from your old one. There is millions of garages about.
So from 1st April my mot will be extended, luckily mines due in July which I normally have done June with a service so I'm not fannying about - 3. I was unsure if I would be offered an appointment before the 30th (the first day my car wouldnt have a valid MOT) and was / still am, unsure about the exact meaning of 'expiry date on or after the 30th March' I'm pleased its super simple for you.
Lol!!! Probably best if you no longer reply you're doing yourself no favours... 
Master_Yoda25/03/2020 12:00
This is a dumb thing to say. A car that has passed its MOT will be a …This is a dumb thing to say. A car that has passed its MOT will be a million times safer than a car that has not had an MOT for 6 months. Probability alone would mean that cars which have passed their MOTs will be significantly safer than cars that haven't. The longer the length of time from which a car has been inspected and checked, the higher the probability the car will be unsafe and dangerous. Also, most people do NOT pay for work on their car unless forced to i.e. an MOT forces people to maintain their cars. Most people haven't got a clue how to properly maintain or check their cars.
A million times, eh?
Thanks for posting OP, much appreciated as mine was due early April.....takes some “pressure” off (although granted, extremely low level pressure!)
yorkie1225/03/2020 09:34
What happens if it is due today? Looks like you'd still have to take your …What happens if it is due today? Looks like you'd still have to take your car for a test.
LOL so what? Take it for a test.
I don't know if my car will make it that longyorkie1225/03/2020 09:34
What happens if it is due today? Looks like you'd still have to take your …What happens if it is due today? Looks like you'd still have to take your car for a test.
Agrees, it shoulds been effective today so it is clear for everybody. My Dad's is due on the 30th, not sure whether he will be eligible to extend it or not. He can't leave the house which means I have to risk collecting his car, going to the garage getting it done for him.
gallopingbanker25/03/2020 09:53
What about cars less than 3 years old that are due for first MOT soon? …What about cars less than 3 years old that are due for first MOT soon? I’ve just checked the website and it’s still showing due on the original date (May)??
No reason to assume they wouldn't be included - so you'll get an extension till November
I have the MOT booked for this weekend.. due by April 12th.. Should I still make the efforts to complete it..?richp25/03/2020 09:34
From a safety issue, 6 months is too long, they should have gone for 3 …From a safety issue, 6 months is too long, they should have gone for 3 months & then re-evaluated, I've seen too many bags of to not have an MOT for 6 months.
This won't be over in 3 months. Also, the vast majority of vehicles are being driven a LOT less, so there will be less wear on them, and less risk in general. Vans will be driven the same/more, but I guess they took a view on it.Toonarmy6925/03/2020 10:16
Why an mot extension?My 19yr old has to work at the garage which is still …Why an mot extension?My 19yr old has to work at the garage which is still trading so it doesnt make sense to give out the extension unless they close the garages!
For the next few weeks, we are all supposed to stop making non-essential journeys. Most cars can happily survive not being checked for a few months. If they do break down, then that is why the garages are still open - to repair them. Nobody should drive a dangerous vehicle - the last thing the NHS needs now is collision casualities on top of everything else. If you are not in an essential role, then generally speaking, you shouldn't be out driving anywhere.
Obviously, some exceptions need to be allowed. Country dwellers, for example, may need a car to travel into the nearest town to get "essential" supplies (e.g. medicines, perishable food, etc). So they need to be able to drive. A mother about to give birth may need quick transport to the hospital - again a real need to drive, if only on a one-off basis. A blanket ban on cars without a current MOT certificate would not allow for exemptions such as that.
Governments (of any political persuation) are supposed to plan for stuff like this - not make policy up on the hoof on a daily basis. Civil contingencies plans should be in every county and should be tested regularly, to find out what works, what doesn't, and what needs to change (e.g. if an outbreak becomes and epidemic). Why has none of this been done?
Bill Gates gave a Ted Talk in 2015, explaining pretty much what would happen globally countries failed to prepare for a pandemic. Also, COVID-19 was shown to be virulent since last December. I hope when the enquiry into this fiasco convenes, the lack of planning will be one of the things thouroughly investigated. Someone, somewhere, said "Nah. Forget that for now. Gottta "Get Things Done". No time for safety planning...Tempus Fugit.Diablo225/03/2020 10:51
Lets be honest, most people will only be driving for essential travel. the …Lets be honest, most people will only be driving for essential travel. the amount of miles individuals will do will dramatically reduce, which means that the items that are checked in an MOT will last longer by nature. Also lets consider what is covered in an MOT and individuals personal responsibility.Lights - personal responsibility - you can check your lights workHorn - personal responsibility - you can check your horn worksExhaust and emissions - personal responsibility - you can hear if your exhaust is blowingDoors and openings personal responsibility - you can check if your doors openBodywork - personal responsibility - you can check the condition of the car Seats and seatbelts - personal responsibility - you can check if your seat beat clicks in and out.Tow bar = - personal responsibility - you can check that your tow bar is secure before using.Vehicle identification - personal responsibility - you can check that you are driving your own carWheels and tyres - personal responsibility - you can check the condition of your tyresWindows and mirrors - personal responsibility - you can check you have mirrors and no big cracks in your window.the two items below that could create issues in terms of satefy, but still common sense and personal responsibility should aim your choice to drive your car or not. Brakes - personal responsibility - if you hear a grinding noise when you brake, very bad juddering THEN don't drive. Steering - personal responsibility - if your steering wheel feels loose, and has "play" THEN don't drive. The MOT requirement will have changed, but individual personal responsibility has not, for example If you have 10 months MOT but need a new tyre, You would not wait for the next MOT, SO lets hope car garages do stay open for essential repairs such as Brakes, steering and suspension.Also, I am putting my neck out with this post, and i know some "virtue signalling" people will tell me how wrong I am for having an point of view.
Totally agree, Every driver should be capable of checking the basics. Also add checking the fluid levels to the list etc.. You really don't need to be a rocket scientist to check the basics.Master_Yoda25/03/2020 11:35
This is a joke - I literally just had my MOT done as had no choice. Are …This is a joke - I literally just had my MOT done as had no choice. Are they going to refund me?? Also cars without an MOT for 6 months will lead to more deaths and accidents. If a car has not been checked and deemed roadworthy, it shouldn't be on the road - no ifs or buts. There was no issue with people getting their MOTs done. If you're self isolating, you would only need a couple of weeks extension at the most, NOT 6 months!?? Also lots of garages can collect and drop off cars for MOTs. Absolutely dumb decision.
My guess is this is an indication of both that the lockdown will probably be longer than 3 weeks, and that there will be huge queues for everything once the country re-opensMaster_Yoda25/03/2020 11:35
This is a joke - I literally just had my MOT done as had no choice. Are …This is a joke - I literally just had my MOT done as had no choice. Are they going to refund me?? Also cars without an MOT for 6 months will lead to more deaths and accidents. If a car has not been checked and deemed roadworthy, it shouldn't be on the road - no ifs or buts. There was no issue with people getting their MOTs done. If you're self isolating, you would only need a couple of weeks extension at the most, NOT 6 months!?? Also lots of garages can collect and drop off cars for MOTs. Absolutely dumb decision.
Having your car MOT'd doesn't mean your car is any safer tomorrow. (edited)Master_Yoda25/03/2020 12:29
Have you met the average motorist? They haven't got a clue about …Have you met the average motorist? They haven't got a clue about maintaining their cars. Also, there are 39 million cars on the road in the UK so when you think about how many cars are going to be on the road that could be dangerous, it's insane.
Yes, However thankfully there should be less on the roads over the next couple of months. In an ideal world I'd agree they should be MOT'd but I understand why they're not going to be. It's really really not hard to check the lights, tires and fluid levels. It's the fact people are too bone idol and need to be told what to do all the time when they should be doing it anyway ( a bit like the lock down ). On the grounds of safety etc.. There shouldn't be any excuse not too and it really irks me that people don't look after them. The police can still deem the cars unroadworthy and dish out some tickets etc.. I could easily check the basics in under 5 minutes and so should everyone else. If they have the ability to drive a car they should have the ability to see that they've got a bold tire or the lights aren't working ;).
Surely that then puts MOT test stations out of business for 6 months and maybe forever if they don't survive thatdavecole25/03/2020 13:17
Surely that then puts MOT test stations out of business for 6 months and …Surely that then puts MOT test stations out of business for 6 months and maybe forever if they don't survive that
Most good garages are always booked up, They'll still be busy.
In order for some on here to avoid having a heart attack, lets just clear a few things up.
In basic terms, an MOT is a legal road worthyness safety test ultimately from the Government designed to highlight any defects that might highlight issues that need fixing with your vehicle. Your vehicle passes it either fully (nothing wrong from a safety point of view) or partially (recommended things that may need fixing but are not immediately dangerous). Otherwise it fails and cannot be legally used (with exemptions, like going to a from the garage to get a new MOT) on the road until defects are fixed.
Think of it as a driving licence for your car. A bit of paper (also electronic) to prove at that day and time it was safe to drive.
Your car from that point on may develop a fault though which changes that safely level, just like you could pass your driving test and still drive illegally like a nutter from the testing site. Your vehicle will not stay perfect between tests so still may need regular maintenance. So having an MOT doesn't guarantee being any safer than no MOT, just like not having a drivers license means you're any more dangerous than someone with a license. You are just considered "legal".
In order for your car to be considered safe, it need maintenance. Your MOT is the test, not the actual maintenance side. At a garage, that is having a SERVICE (different levels of). Many will just have a full SERVICE from a garage at around or the same time as your MOT test is due, so that the garage checks MOT test related things like fluids etc and fixes any issues so it can hopefully pass. You can still have a service anytime, even if your car doesn't need any MOT as often as you feel or need. So you can still keep your car roadworthy unless you or a suitably competent person does it for you.
I'd suggest you still have a full or part service at your usual MOT time and a part or full one to check its still all OK before your new MOT date. (edited)
The plan is to pass some legislation that will last for up to twelve months.This is all in order to reduce unnecessary trips out of the house.
If your MOT has already expired, or expires before 30 March, but you cannot get an appointment or are self-isolating, then instead you need to declare your vehicle off the road, otherwise known as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). Full information on that here: gov.uk/gui…020
If you sd postpone your MOT, it is still vital to keep your car roadworthy and safe if you are driving it - and failing to do so could still result in a fine.