Should I MOT my vehicle now or in 6 months time?

What does this 6 month extension mean for me and my vehicle?

With the introduction of the MOT extension, if your MOT is due from 30 March 2020, your vehicle’s next MOT expiry date will be extended by six months. E.g. If your MOT was due 10th April, its new MOT date is 10th October.

It must be stressed that this is a temporary measure and the government are keeping this under constant review and may stop extending MOT expiry dates once safe to do so.

Since this announcement, the rules for this extension have changed 3 times already, so it’s important you keep checking the Gov MOT Expiry website.

My vehicle’s MOT has been extended. Does that mean I’m safe to keep driving it?

The Department of Transport has clearly added in their statement that YOU are responsible for your vehicle’s safety and that all vehicles must be ‘kept in a roadworthy condition’. Drivers found driving their vehicle in an unsafe condition will be prosecuted.

Just because the government has given drivers a 6 month sabbatical on their MOT, it does not allow a get-out clause for tyres with no tread or defective brakes. A driver will be liable if they have an accident caused by a dangerous vehicle.

I understand it’s my responsibility, what should I check?

On the Government website, it has set out some safety checks you should carry out to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.

Every time you drive, you should check: