UK Government offer 6 month delays on MOT deadlines during Covid-19 breakout

Right now everyone has many worries on their mind; and normal things like MOT’ing and Servicing your car is something that nobody wants to worry about on top.

Luckily for motorists, the government has recognised this, and in response to mounting concerns about social contact due to the Covid-19 outbreak, they announced today measures to ease this situation and mitigate concerns. 

MOTs are automatically being extended by 6 months

In a bid to enforce social distancing guidelines, all MOT’s which expire after March 30th are receiving a 6 month extension. This is to ensure that no one needs have their car MOT’d until the crisis is over, and can continue to respect the governments lockdown decision.

For anyone who has an MOT expiring before March 30th, these rules unfortunately do not apply. However there are test centres still open so check in your local area. 

The only further guidance necessary here is to say that although an MOT will not be required for an extra 6 months, it is imperative that you ensure your vehicle is well maintained and ‘Road Worthy’. For most this is a simple matter of some TLC and ensuring that all standard things – Oil, washer fluid and the like – are kept topped up. If you are unsure of what to do to ensure that your car is ‘Road Worthy’ then see our Advice for Checking over a Used Car guide, as many of the same things apply. 

Garages will be open for essential repairs

Priority will be given to key workers – I think we can all agree that this policy makes total sense. However if you have a serious problem with your car, and require it for being able to shop for essentials or provide care for a loved one there will be garages open; although realistically this may involve you calling several garages and preparing yourself for a fairly long wait.

Missed services should not affect warranties

Another normally essential part of keeping any car roadworthy is regular servicing. However, as we are keeping contact with anyone else to an absolute minimum, servicing rules are being relaxed. Whilst no specific legislation has been drafted on this at this time, given the circumstances many major car manufacturers have shown willingness to relax servicing requirements regarding maintaining warranties – in the name of public health.

We will provide updates as / when something more concrete is announced, so watch this space.

We are all in this together

The measures introduced by the government are to aid in one simple task, backing one message which we have all heard a multitude of times over the last few days. Stay inside, and stay safe. 

We at Carsnip commend these actions, as they are very proactive policies reducing the pressure and stress on the motoring population – and really do hammer home that the important thing to everyone right now is protect the NHS, the vulnerable, and each other. 

We are all in this together, and we will get through these unprecedented times. There will be plenty of time to worry about MOT’s and the like once we have weathered this storm, so focus on your health and your families. 

To summarise; the MOT ‘exemption’ announced today simply adds 6 months to your MOT expiry date. So if your MOT is due on April 1st then your new MOT due date will be October 1st. Make a note in your diary, calendar or whatever works for you – but make sure you remember as there is unlikely to be any leniency if you forget!

About Carsnip
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About the Author
Sam Wardega is a freelance car journalist working on behalf of carsnip.com.
A lifetime Petrolhead who started with Hot Wheels aged 2, and now just spends his life savings on owning his dream cars. As they say boys dont stop playing with toys; they just get bigger and more expensive!