[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/uk-government-update-regarding-vehicle-mot-testing\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/uk-government-update-regarding-vehicle-mot-testing\/","headline":"UK Government Update Regarding Vehicle MOT Testing","name":"UK Government Update Regarding Vehicle MOT Testing","description":"Update from the UK Government regarding vehicle MOT testing from 30th March 2020… The UK Government has announced updated guidelines to become effective from 30th March 2020 for those seeking an MOT for cars, vans and motorcycles amid the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Previously, there was some confusion in relation to the MOT with regard to self-isolation and the current Government instruction to only travel for essentials and exercise. If Your Vehicle Requires an MOT Certificate on or After 30th […]","datePublished":"2020-03-25","dateModified":"2020-03-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOT-testing-UK-COVID-19-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOT-testing-UK-COVID-19-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/uk-government-update-regarding-vehicle-mot-testing\/","about":["BLOG","Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":668,"keywords":["Coronavirus","COVID-19","MOT"],"articleBody":"Update from the UK Government regarding vehicle MOT testing from 30th March 2020…The UK Government has announced updated guidelines to become effective from 30th March 2020 for those seeking an MOT for cars, vans and motorcycles amid the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Previously, there was some confusion in relation to the MOT with regard to self-isolation and the current Government instruction to only travel for essentials and exercise.If Your Vehicle Requires an MOT Certificate on or After 30th MarchNow, from 30th March if you need an MOT you willget an exemption – or 6-month extension if you prefer; either way you like todescribe it, it amounts to the same end result. For example; should your carMOT run out on April 3rd (after the new ruling kicks in) then yourMOT will be extended until October 3rd 2020. At this point in timeyou would then need to proceed with obtaining an MOT as normal. Things arechanging almost on a daily basis of course, but this is how things stand on 25thMarch 2020. We will provide an update should there be any further changes.This Government ruling also applies to new vehicles about toundergo their first MOT \u2013 such vehicles will automatically receive a 6-monthexemption. In both circumstances no exemption paperwork will be required orissued.If your vehicle failed its MOT prior to 30th March, this does not mean that you get a \u2018free pass\u2019 for 6-months; such vehicles will still need to pass their MOT before being allowed on the road again. Click here for more information if your MOT is due after 30th March 2020If Your Vehicle Requires an MOT Certificate Before 30th MarchIf your vehicle MOT runs out before the new rulings comeinto play, then current Government guidelines stipulate that you must book yourvehicle in for an MOT, with some clarification.Click here for more information if your MOT is due before 30th March 2020Extremely Vulnerable From CoronavirusThe Department of Transport are currently liaising withpolice forces and insurance companies to ensure that such individuals are notunfairly penalised for doing the right thing and isolating. Here, theinstruction is quite clear: do not take your vehicle for an MOT.Not Self-IsolatingIf you are not self-isolating or deemed particularlyvulnerable, you may book your car in for its MOT as normal. While some MOT testcentres are closed, many remain open at the time of writing, though with thisnew Government MOT update, this situation may change again.Self-IsolatingIf you are self-isolating within the timescale of your MOTrunning and out and a new test being required, then you should seek a SORNdeclaration. While those of us who have had or own classic vehicles will befully aware of the SORN document, some of you may not be so familiar. A SORN(Statutory Off Road Notification) declares that you have willingly taken yourcar off the road. In such cases an MOT is not required, but you must not useyour vehicle on public roads until it is taxed again. A SORN tells the DVLAthat you are not wilfully avoiding an MOT, but that your vehicle is currentlyoff the road \u2013 and \u2018off the road\u2019 is literal; the car must be in a garage or privatedriveway and not parked on a public road.Once your self-isolation period comes to an end, then youmay drive your vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test, preferably making sure youhave proof of your appointment about your person. You must not drive thevehicle before obtaining a new MOT orbefore heading out to the MOT teststation.You can drive your vehicle to a repair centre if your MOT has run out with the sole aim of getting repairs done pre-MOT. But it\u2019s worth noting here that if your car is deemed unsafe to be on the road \u2013 non-roadworthy \u2013 then you should not be driving the vehicle anywhere, in any situation, under any circumstances."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"UK Government Update Regarding Vehicle MOT Testing","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/uk-government-update-regarding-vehicle-mot-testing\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]