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Mandatory MOT testing is to be reintroduced

06 July 2020

Road users, including those who drive a car, motorcycle or van, were granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing back in March 2020, following the UK lockdown. The initial aim was to reduce travel and slow the spread of coronavirus. However, with the UK government’s ‘withdrawal plan’ moving forward and restrictions being eased, this exemption has now been revoked.

The government's website states that “when safe to do so”, any road user whose vehicle is due for an MOT test from August 1st 2020 onwards must obtain a test certificate in order to drive.

Please note that any road user whose vehicle is due for an MOT test before August 1st will still be entitled to the 6-month exemption.  These drivers are, of course, entitled to have their vehicle MOT tested within this 6-month exemption, if they wish.

According to the government’s website, MOT testing capacity is already at 70 per cent of normal levels and is ‘steadily increasing’. As it stands, only 90 per cent of garages have re-opened. With this in mind, it is to be expected that garages across the UK will be booked beyond capacity, potentially leaving many motorists struggling to obtain their vehicle’s MOT on time. So be sure that you and your colleagues in your fleet are up-to-date with the MOT guidance.

The crucial message for those responsible for managing fleets is to check the dates for future MOTs now and try to allow more time than usual to gain a booking as garages are particularly busy at the moment.

At Marshall Leasing we are expert at helping to assist those people responsible for fleets, so please give us a call if you would like to know more about the services we offer.

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