Any car or van thats due an Mot after 30th March is automatically being given a 6 month extension due to the pandemic.

Cars must still be kept in a road worthy condition and whilst garages are being dispensation to stay open, it could be worth supporting your usual garage and having your car checked over anyway.

Parts suppliers are also staying open to support the garages, so if you need any work doing, it can be done.

Most garages will offer collection if you're self isolating etc.

Hgv's, Buses and trailers have already been given a 3 month extension.

Yes.
Great news.
Mine's due on the 29th (Honestly)
I'm struggling to get it sorted.

That's good, mines not due until mid May but it's one less thing to worry about for a lot of people.

What happens when your car tax expires?

Mine due on 27th March. Why is it from 30th ? Are garages still open ? Is it essential ?

I've just spoken to a friend who owns Richmond MOT center in accrington. They will continue to MOT after March 30th unless the ministry of transport tells them otherwise.
They are taking bookings all week for anyone who is struggling to find somewhere.
Mine is due its first test tomorrow and my tax expires next week

Damo wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 25, 2020 10:31 am

What happens when your car tax expires?

Well it says that from the 30th there'll be a 6 month of extension of MOT, so presumably as you still have a valid MOT you'll be able to renew as normal.
Still doesn't help those whose MOT deadline is on 29th though.

6 months is a long time , are they trying to tell us something

uptheclarets wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 25, 2020 11:16 am

6 months is a long time , are they trying to tell us something

Think it’s probably more another initiative to help people financially than putting a timescale on lockdown or anything else which is pretty impossible

They'll probably issue the September one for 6 months so they get their money back

I just had mine in Edmonsons for a Service and to check an engine management light that came on 2 weeks ago.

It was an Oxygen sensor and it took my breath away on receiving the invoice

boatshed bill wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 25, 2020 11:22 am

They'll probably issue the September one for 6 months so they get their money back

there's actually some sense in that

I suppose the date is to give MOT stations time to get stuff done and to ensure people are aware.

I know some test stations are closed/closing whilst others aren't, same with garages that don't have an MOT bay.

If your MOT is due in the next couple of days, I'm not sure why you've left it so late anyway, because they can be renewed up to a month before they expire and the extra time is then added on.
That isn't the governments concern/issue if you're leaving it until the last minute, they're giving everyone fair warning.

Just a reminder, keep your cars in a road worthy condition..

I know plenty of people accuse mechanics of being rip off merchants etc, but I've just picked up a car from an MOT and I've had to sign a disclaimer before I took it away
The brake system has no fluid in it, but the owner has just ignored the warning light and quality of the brakes when they've got progressively worse.

If you're unable to maintain your own car, go see a professional, don't just drive around in it when the problems are getting worse, especially when you're not the only person in the car or on the road..

Oh and their MOT had ran out in February...

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 25, 2020 11:43 am

If your MOT is due in the next couple of days, I'm not sure why you've left it so late anyway, because they can be renewed up to a month before they expire and the extra time is then added on.
That isn't the governments concern/issue if you're leaving it until the last minute, they're giving everyone fair warning.

Well maybe - like me - you've been well organised, booked your MOT a few weeks ago before you went on holiday, and then had it cancelled by the now closed MOT centre at just 24 hours notice, and are now finding it difficult to reschedule.
Anyway, I managed to get mine done yesterday and it passed, so I'm sorted now, but I still think that when the announcement was made on Wednesday they could have put the measure in from Wednesday rather than insisting that those that were due between then and Monday had to be fit in somehow or you would be driving illegally.

Test stations have mainly stayed open.

Not many are closing.

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 27, 2020 9:49 am

Test stations have mainly stayed open.

Not many are closing.

Most likely true, but they can only fit so many in per day, so if like me you were forced to reschedule then it is a problem.

nil_desperandum wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:07 am

Most likely true, but they can only fit so many in per day, so if like me you were forced to reschedule then it is a problem.

That would be true if they still had a full schedule, but there will be a lot of people cancelling their MOT's that are due from April onwards.

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:14 am

That would be true if they still had a full schedule, but there will be a lot of people cancelling their MOT's that are due from April onwards.

I can only report my own experience, and suddenly finding myself needing to re-book an MOT on Wednesday.
It wasn't easy. Maybe availability varies in different towns / regions.

Another mixed message: you can have a 6 month extension to your MOT. But you can still get it done as garages are allowed to stay open.

#stayathome #essentialtravelonly

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:32 am

Another mixed message: you can have a 6 month extension to your MOT. But you can still get it done as garages are allowed to stay open.

#stayathome #essentialtravelonly

What's mixed about it?
Some people will want to keep their routine, others will have some expired.
Some will have had a test, failed and need a retest etc.

Its only mixed if you're an idiot.

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:32 am

Another mixed message: you can have a 6 month extension to your MOT. But you can still get it done as garages are allowed to stay open.

#stayathome #essentialtravelonly

Come on TFC - I usually agree with you but it’s not that difficult to understand !
It’s not a mixed message - it’s a choice.
Either wait for up to 6 months after the due date to have your MOT or get it done on the original date or any time in between !!

"Only go outside for food, health reasons or work". No mention of getting your MOT done.

Update on this one.

Mot extensions will NOT be given after 31st July.

Reminder that you can get an Mot done up to 4 weeks before it runs out to get those extra 4 weeks added.