Motorists advised to ‘book now’ ahead of MOT rush

Testing demand to peak in October and November when volume is expected to be 200 per cent above normal levels

Motorists advised to ‘book now’ ahead of MOT rush
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Drivers are being urged to ‘beat the rush’ and get their vehicles booked in for an MOT to avoid joining hundreds of thousands of others who have qualified for the six-month MOT exemption, which ends on 1 August.

The call follows data released last week by the DVSA which suggests that the number of tests is set to overtake pre-exemption demand in August and will continue rising before reaching a peak around October/November when the volume of tests is expected to be 200 per cent above normal levels.

While every vehicle due an MOT between 30 March and 31 July is granted a six-month extension, drivers are under no obligation to make use of it – and those that get their MOTs completed as normal can be much more confident that their cars are properly roadworthy.

Related: MOT backlog to peak in October, DVSA data suggests

Research by the RAC in June that found one-in-seven drivers plan on making full use of the MOT extension.

RAC head of motoring services Adam O’Neill said: “In many ways this is an ideal time for people to get their cars booked in for an MOT – whether they’ve already taken advantage of the automatic extension or not.

“Understandably, demand for MOTs and servicing fell sharply after the coronavirus lockdown as garages closed and the government instructed all of us to stay at home.

“But as the lockdown has started to be eased, drivers may be left wondering whether now is the right time to be getting their cars checked over, or whether making use of the MOT extension is the best course of action.”

Related: Managing MOT demand in your garage

Greg Carter, AA technical specialist said: “If people are self-isolating and not using their car, then it makes sense to take advantage of the remaining extension, but it is probably best to get the MOT done at the first possible opportunity.

“For everyone else, getting their MOT should be a priority if it’s past the original due date.”

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