Don’t drive unsafe vehicles, motorists warned as MOT tests halted

MOT tests have been suspended for six months as part of efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus, as the Government urged motorists not to drive dangerous cars.

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said that from Monday all cars, motorbikes and vans will be given an exemption that will push back their

MOT dates, effectively making them all valid for 18 months.

However, he warned drivers would face prosecution if they did not keep vehicles roadworthy and were found driving unsafe cars.

The Government said the move would allow critical workers and those whose work “absolutely cannot be done from home” to keep commuting, as well as allowing people dependent on their cars to make essential trips such as shopping for necessities.

It comes after the Department for Transport (DFT) last week suspended MOTS for lorries, buses and coaches for up to three months.

Mr 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.”

From Monday until March 30 2021, vehicle MOT dates will update about a week before the test is due, pushing them back six months.

The DFT said motorists whose MOTS were due before Monday still need to have their test, but that those unable to make the appointment this week would be able to have it done at a later date.

Ministers said they are currently in talks with the police and insurers to make sure drivers delaying their tests this week are not unfairly penalised.

For drivers whose tests are due from March 30, the exemption means their MOT is valid for another six months, so it won’t affect their insurance policies.

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said: “In this unprecedented situation, insurers will not penalise you if you can’t get an MOT. Safety is paramount so check your brakes, tyres and lights before driving.”

Meanwhile, mechanics have been classed by the Government as key workers. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) said that while some garages had already closed due to a sharp drop in trade, others were remaining open for essential repairs.

Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, said: “The MOT business is a large part of the independent garage sector. Due to the number of garages that have already closed down there will be additional work for the ones that are staying open.”