Coronavirus: When will your extended MOT be due?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed most people’s lives significantly. While health remains the UK’s number one priority, there are lots of less-obvious areas seeing big changes – including motoring.

In response to the health crisis, the DVSA has granted extensions to millions of MOTs. Although this move helps to keep keyworkers moving and means people can access essential supplies during the lockdown, it’s left a lot of vehicle owners unsure when their next test is due.

Responding to public demand, motoring website Car.co.uk has created a service to help – a free online MOT check that makes it quick and easy to see when your car’s next test is required.

You only need your vehicle registration number to access your MOT information – and when you do, you’ll even be able to look back over previous tests; giving a comprehensive overview of your vehicle’s history.

As well as MOT checks, the team behind the site has created an MOT reminder service – so you can sign up for email and text message to let you know when your new MOT date is coming up.

Stephen Kelly, Head of Media Relations at Car.co.uk, explained the thinking behind the reminders; “Extending MOTs has been an important part of keeping the country safe – but it means there will be a lot more people booking tests when lockdown rules are eased.”

“MOT centres are anticipating being much busier than normal after the extension, so people must remember to get their test booked in advance.”

The revised MOT rules apply to any vehicle with an MOT ordinarily due after 30 March this year – and since test certificates have been officially extended, the move means they stay valid for insurance purposes.

Garages remain open for essential repair work – and while the government has warned that drivers must make sure their vehicles are still roadworthy, they’ve also been working with police and insurers to make sure people who are self-isolating are not penalised if they’re unable to get to an MOT.

Car.co.uk’s leading online MOT check service is available at https://www.car.co.uk/check-mot-history.