When do you need to book an MOT test and is your car exempt?
THE MOT extension is coming to an end with mandatory tests set to start again from August 1.
We explain all you need to know about booking an MOT for your car and whether it's exempt.
Do I need to book an MOT for my car?
Motorists were handed a six-month extension by ministers for MOTs that needed to be renewed from the end of March.
The extension was introduced so that fewer people went to mechanics to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
But on August 1, the extension is coming to an end meaning drivers need to make sure their car has an MOT certificate to be road legal.
This applies to motorists with an MOT set to expire on or after this date.
Is your car exempt?
Cars, vans and motorbikes with an MOT expiry date between March 30 and July 31 will still be eligible for the six month break - provided they are kept in a road worthy condition.
If you're eligible, your MOT expiry date will automatically be extended by six months.
For example, if your MOT is set to expire on July 3, it'll be extended until January 3.
Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will be updated about seven days before it was originally due to expire.
Three days before your MOT was originally due to expire, you should check the expiry date has been extended on the .
If the expiry date hasn't been extended at this point, send an email to [email protected].
You need to include the date your MOT expired and your vehicle registration number in the email.
When do you need to book an MOT test?
You can get an MOT up to a month, minus a day, before it expires - and still keep the same renewal date.
If you own a brand new car then you don't have to get an MOT until the third anniversary of its registration.
After that, you have to get your vehicle tested every 12 months.
People are able to voluntarily get their MOT sooner should they wish, even if they are exempt from the legal requirement.
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Of course, if your car isn't safe to drive it's important to book an MOT as soon as possible.
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If you drive an unsafe vehicle, you can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get three penalty points.
Drivers who are vulnerable or self-isolating should contact their local garage as some are offering pick-up and drop-off services, so drivers can get their car checked without having to visit a garage.