3:20 pm, July 31, 2020
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is urging motorists whose MOT is due this autumn to get their cars tested as soon as possible.
Getting a test done early may prevent a busy period for garages, the agency said.
Chris Price, head of MOT policy at DVSA, said: ‘MOT exemptions were issued to allow people to continue to use their vehicles for essential travel during the pandemic.
‘The MOT is an important test to ensure a vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.
‘We know that garages are likely to be very busy this autumn with double the usual demand. We are encouraging motorists to consider bringing their MOT forward to help beat the rush.’
The DVSA expects 3.4m tests to be carried out in September, 4.8m tests are predicted for both October and November and 4.2m in December.
Just over two million tests are predicted in August which is why motorists are being urged to act now.
The DVSA’s calls follow similar attempts by the Independent Garage Association (IGA) to get motorists booking tests as soon as possible.
Hot off the back of news of the MOT extension being cancelled earlier this month, IGA chairman Stuart James told Car Dealer how he was urging motorists to act immediately to prevent a backlog of MOT tests in October and November.
The six-month MOT extension ends on August 1 and any MOT that is due on or after that date won’t be extended by six months, as had had been the case since March.
There are fears that if motorists wait until the six-month extension on their MOTs ends, there will be a backlog that will overwhelm garages across the country.
Commenting on the DVSA calls, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: ‘Garages are ready to ensure millions of vehicles on UK roads remain safe and provide peace of mind to owners.
‘Although the six-month MOT extension provision ends on August 1, deferred tests have created increased demand this autumn so owners are strongly encouraged to get their vehicle’s test done as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
‘Motorists can be reassured that the sector has full COVID safety measures in place and many workshops are on hand to collect and deliver vehicles for vulnerable customers.’
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