MOT testing in lockdown: Do I have to get my car MOT-ed now?

MOT testing is a legal requirement for all cars to make sure they meet roadworthy standards in the UK. Doing the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, the Government postponed the need for people to get one. However, now the nation is returning to “normal” life, officials have decided to resume them.

Do people need to get MOTs again?

MOTs are a mandatory aspect of road travel in the UK, and despite the recent suspension, will soon become a necessity once again.

Drivers had formerly been allowed to avoid the tests for six months during the pandemic, but mounting traffic has raised concerns about safety.

The Government has now pinned a date to when mandatory MOTs will resume in the UK.

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Officials will reinstate MOTs on August 1 this year, roads minister Baroness Vere announced today.

All vehicles, including cars, vans and motorbikes will need to register once more across England, Wales and Scotland.

Drivers with an MOT due before the date will continue to abide by the six-month rule.

They will still need to keep their car in a roadworthy condition, however, and may get their car MOT-ed if they wish.

Making the announcement today, Baroness Vere urged people to get a test “as soon as they can”.

She said: “As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe.

“That’s why as restrictions are eased, from 1 August MOT testing will again become mandatory.

“Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.”

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Many garages closed during the coronavirus lockdown earlier this year, with few remaining open for business.

Then, they provided only essential services for cars still on the road to ensure vital safety, but now they have started to open again.

Now the Government has slowly repealed some of its coronavirus measures, and more than 90 percent have opened across the UK.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has urged people to take their cars for a check if they notice something is wrong, regardless of when their MOT is due.

Motorist organisations have welcomed the Government’s decision today, stating it is a necessity as the country continues to open up.

AA president Edmund King told the BBC road traffic will only increase as the hospitality industry returns to life.

He said: “It makes sense to reintroduce MOT testing from 1 August now that Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted and all garages and dealerships are open.

“Car traffic is on the increase already and will grow as more drivers return to the road with the reopening of hospitality and travel with their families for staycation holidays.”

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