An Important Update on MOTs After the Month of August
Back in June, you may have heard about the update from the Government that MOTs are to be re-introduced this month from the 1st of August amid safety concerns on the road. This is mandatory for cars, motorcycles and vans in England, Scotland & Wales that have their usual MOT date on the 1st of August going forwards until the end of the year. It is important to note that all MOTs that are due before this date are still eligible for the 6-month extension that was granted due to COVID-19.
This article discusses the concerns of the government and why they have chosen to restore mandatory MOTs going forwards from the 1st of August. We will also cover why MOTs are important and how to arrange for an MOT if you are imminently due for an MOT due to this update and how to drive a vehicle to a garage if your MOT has expired and you need to drive to the garage.
Our car garage allows us to support our customers and provide them with MOTs in Newport and the surrounding areas. We have offered MOTs for many years and are able to support you should your MOT now be mandatory again.
If you need to book your MOT in Newport or in Cwmbran, Pontymister or Pontypool – get in touch using an online contact form today or call our garages on the following telephone numbers below:
Newport: 01633 244 474
Cwmbran: 01633 872 001
Pontymister: 01633 614 600
Pontypool: 01495 239 953
Why Has the Government Removed the Extension for MOTs After 1st August?
In order to assist essential workers that needed to have access to MOT services during the lockdown during the pandemic – car garages were operating as emergency workers should essential workers require an MOT. However, for the vast majority of motorists – MOTs were allowed a 6-month extension in order to aid lockdown efforts and this ensures that MOTs can be carried out when some sort of normality is restored. This, however, has led to the Government reversing the extension after the 1st of August due to safety concerns.
There is no legal requirement to have an MOT carried out if you fall under the extension date however if motorists feel that they want to arrange for an MOT then they can do so. All vehicles must also be properly maintained even if an extension is being used. As MOTs ensure that vehicles are safe on the road and carry out a huge amount of checks that are impossible to carry out without having your vehicle assessed with an MOT check at a car garage. Therefore – we highly recommend that you arrange for an MOT if you are due to have one and are covered by the extension period.
Driving to the Garage When You Do Not Have an MOT Completed
As you may be aware – it is illegal to drive a vehicle if an MOT has expired and if you are stopped by the police – you could be subject to a large fine. Car insurance is also invalidated when driving without an MOT so it’s highly important to not drive a vehicle if you are not covered by an MOT and do not have the extension. This opens the question, however – how do you drive a car to the garage to get an MOT completed – if you are at risk from a hefty fine and invalidated insurance? If you have proof that an MOT is booked and you are travelling to the garage solely to have an MOT carried out – you can use this to travel to the garage. However – do not drive if you are not driving to the garage to get an MOT carried out.
Some garages may offer to pick up a vehicle however you are still able to drive to the garage if you have evidence you are having an MOT check carried out. This gives you the peace of mind that you can travel and complete your MOT checks.
Our car garage allows us to support our customers and provide them with MOTs in Newport and the surrounding areas. We have offered MOTs for many years and are able to support you should your MOT now be mandatory again. If you currently have your MOT test extended and wish to carry out an MOT – get in touch with our team today. We also highly recommend you get in touch should you be looking for tyres in Cwmbran. Use an online contact form on our website or call one of our following local garages:
Newport: 01633 244 474
Cwmbran: 01633 872 001
Pontymister: 01633 614 600
Pontypool: 01495 239 953