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Government Announces Six-Month Suspension On MOT Tests From 30 March

Government Announces Six-Month Suspension On MOT Tests From 30 March

MOT tests, as well as driving tests and annual checks have been suspended for several months

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Drivers are to be allowed a six-month exemption on getting their MOT done under emergency measures announced by the UK Government.

That means that all cars, vans and motorcycles that would usually require an MOT test to be performed will be temporarily exempt as of 30 March.

While those vehicles will get a six-month exemption, drivers of lorries, trailers and buses will also have their MOTs suspended, but only for three months.

However, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that it would still be expected that motorists must keep their vehicles in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open ready to perform essential repair work.

PA

That means that key workers, as well as those who have to leave their homes to buy essential supplies such as food and medicine, will be able to remain on the roads.

Shapps said: "We must ensure those on the front line of helping the nation combat Covid-19 are able to do so.

"Allowing this temporary exemption from vehicle testing will enable vital services such as deliveries to continue, front line workers to get to work, and people to get essential food and medicine.

"Safety is key, which is why garages will remain open for essential repair work."

A government statement added: "If you can't get an MOT that's due because you're in self-isolation, the Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to ensure people aren't not 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."

The legislation enshrining this latest development in law will come into effect for 12 months, starting on 30 March.

That means that this legislation does not cover cars that are due to be tested before 30 March. Drivers who need to use their cars before the new rules come into effect will need to get their car tested in advance of 30 March.

It's worth remembering that you should clean surfaces that you touch both inside and outside the car after any work has been performed, just to be sure that the chances of infection are limited.

PA

As well as these new measures, practical driving tests and annual test for coaches, buses, and lorries, have been suspended for three months as a result of the emergency measures that have been put in place to stop the spread of infection.

This follows the announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday that people should remain at home unless absolutely necessary, and put forward rules on how many times per day people can leave the house.

The PM limited excursions out to just one per day, per person, and banned gatherings of more than two people. He also banned many shops from opening, with only 'essential' shops being allowed to continue trading.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: uk news, Cars