Martin Lewis urges drivers to book MOT tests NOW due to booking backlog – or face £1,000 fine

During lockdown, the government suspended the requirement for drivers to get an MOT for six months, but that has since expired.

It's now important to get your test completed before your current MOT certificate runs out.

A spokesperson for the DVSA told The Sun: “As with last year, we expect demand for MOTs to be high from September to December, due to the moving of MOT dates as a result of the MOT exemption.

“We are confident that garages will be able to cope with the increase in demand, but we suggest that motorists book an earlier MOT to avoid this peak.”

In September and October this year there are 1.3 million more tests due than in the same period two years ago, because of the delay from the pandemic.

But test centres are already strained according to the AA, which is why it's a good idea to get booked in early.

Your car will need an MOT test annually if it's over three years old, and if not you'll need one done on the third anniversary of its registration.

It's always due at around the same time and you'll need to get it tested before the current certificate expires or face the costly £1,000 fine.

The most a garage can charge you for the test is £54.85, so you shouldn't ever have to pay any more than this, but it could be a good idea to shop around to find a good price.

But watch you don't end up driving further for an appointment as this could send you over-budget in petrol costs.

You might also have to factor in extra repair costs on top of this if your MOT fails.