DVSA Urges Drivers to Beat the MOT Rush As Demand Expected to Double

The government has urged drivers to book MOT tests 'as soon as possible' as demand for tests is expected to soar this autumn.

The MOT is an obligatory annual test for all vehicles more than three years old, which checks whether a vehicle is 'roadworthy' and safe to drive.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has said that garages are to expect face 'double the demand' in September, October and November, as MOT certificate extensions, designed to keep the country moving during the lockdown, start to expire.

MOT exemptions were issued to allow people to continue to use their vehicles for essential travel during the pandemic. The MOT is an important test to make sure a vehicle remains safe to drive. We know that MOT centres are likely to be very busy this autumn with double the usual demand. We are encouraging motorists to consider bringing their MOT forward to help beat the rush.”

said Chris Price, DVSA Head of MOT Policy

Vehicles which were due to go for MOT after 30th March were granted a six-month extension due to the nationwide disruption caused by COVID-19.

As of tomorrow, drivers will no longer be able to apply for an extension as garages, and test centres have largely re-opened.

But the industry claims it is prepared and ready to cope with the extra demand:

Garages are ready to ensure millions of vehicles on UK roads remain safe and provide peace of mind to owners. Motorists can be reassured that the sector has full COVID safety measures in place and many workshops are on hand to collect and deliver vehicles for vulnerable customers.”

Chief Executive of the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders Mike Hawes said

March and April Are Normally a Busy Time for MOT

March and April are normally a busy time for MOT expiries, as this is when new number plates are released, and most new vehicles are registered.

Drivers whose certificates would have expired at the end of March will now be looking to book tests starting in September, which means that thousands of motorists will have to fight for a limited number of spaces at MOT test centres, or wait out the busy period to get their car re-tested.

Driving without an up-to-date MOT is against the law, and anyone who ignores the expiry date on their vehicle’s certificate could face a fine of up to £1000 if caught.

Last year, the DVSA reported that over 8 million out of 30 million vehicles failed the test. According to the RAC, the most common reasons vehicles fail their MOT are problems with lights (19%), suspension (13%), brakes (10%) and tyres (8%).