The six-month exemption on MOT testing for UK car and van owners is being brought to a close as the government slowly lifts restrictions on covid-19 lockdown.

Roads minister Baroness Vere made the announcement this week, advising that those whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from 1st August will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.

Owners who had an MOT due date prior to 1st August will still be eligible for a six-month exemption, however with many garages and testing centres returning to normal, motorists can still be prosecuted if they are found to be driving an unsafe vehicle.

“As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. That’s why as restrictions are eased, from 1 August MOT testing will again become mandatory,” said Baroness Vere.

“Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.”

The government directive reports that while some garages remain closed, there is now 90 per cent open across the country and testing capacity is already at 70 per of normal levels.

A recent report suggest that there could be 1.4million unsafe cars on the UK road network due to the six-month exemption.

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