Coronavirus: What you need to know about your car MOT expiring

MOTs due to expire from 30th March 2020 will be extended by 6 months.

Posted by

H.I.R - Check Car Details Managing Director

Enter the registration number below to check the current MOT status of your vehicle.

Am I eligible for a MOT extension due to Coronavirus?

According to the Government's website: "Your MOT certificate will be extended by 6 months if it was due to expire on or after 30 March 2020 and your vehicle is a:

  • Car
  • Motorcycle
  • Light van
  • Other light vehicle

This includes these types of vehicles that are due their first ever MOT test

This means if your MOT is due to expire, for example on 12th April 2020, it will be extended. These are unprecedented times, so to ensure the Cornavirus does not spread, social distancing measures will be in place and garages will not be opened for MOT tests. Not to worry about an expired MOT on a certified vehicle, the UK government is assuring every motor owner the test will be automatically extended.

How do I get the 6 month MOT extension because of Coronavirus?

The official guidance states:

Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will be automatically extended by 6 months if it’s eligible. This will be done just before it’s due to expire.

This means that:

  • Your vehicle will still have a valid MOT certificate for an extra 6 months
  • You can still tax your vehicle - you might need to wait to do this until later in the month if both your MOT and vehicle tax run out this month
  • Your insurance will still be valid
  • Your vehicle’s record will be updated so the police can see you have a valid MOT

You will not get a new paper MOT certificate with the new expiry date on it.

You must still keep your vehicle safe to drive

How will I know my car MOT has been extended by 6 months because of Coronavirus?

The government has provided the following guidance

Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will only be updated a few days before it was originally due to expire.

1. Three days before your MOT was originally due to expire, check the expiry date has been extended.

2. If the expiry date has not been extended 3 days before it was due to expire, email [email protected]

You need to include these details in the email:

  • The date your MOT expired
  • Your vehicle registration number (number plate)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will then:

  • Update your vehicle’s record
  • Email you to tell you this has been done

You will be able to check car tax details by going to https://www.checkcardetails.co.uk and entering your registration number, you'll find Tax and MOT status as part of our free check service. This information is directly from DVLA.

How do I keep my car safe to drive during Coronavirus?

Vehicles must be kept safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended. Below are useful links for you to use to:

We hope you found this blog useful, keep safe, stay home and save lives.