Vehicle owners who still need to use their vehicles for essential work and shopping in the coronavirus epidemic will be given a six-month exemption.
All cars, vans and motorcycles that have an MOT expiring after March 30 will be exempted from needing a test, though vehicles would be kept in a roadworthy condition and drivers can be prosecuted if they’re using unsafe and faulty vehicles.
The new legislation will be introduced on March 30, and comes into effect immediately. Motorists will still need to get their vehicle MOT tested up until the new regulations are introduced.
The government has also stressed that garages and service outlets can stay open for essential repair work.
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Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “We must ensure those on the frontline 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, frontline workers to get to work, and people get essential food and medicine.”
The Department for Transport said for self-isolating motorists that are unable to get an MOT, it is working with insurers and police to ensure that people aren’t unfairly penalised, though no details on this have been confirmed.
People are being urged to avoid travel unless it is absolutely essential.
