14/02/2017
As the crisp autumn air settles across the UK and the leaves begin to turn, many motorists will find their thoughts turning to their annual MOT test. However, this year is far from typical. If your vehicle's MOT is due in September or October, you are among the 1.3 million drivers facing an unprecedented surge in demand for garage services. This isn't just a minor blip; it's a direct consequence of the extraordinary measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, and understanding it is crucial to avoiding significant inconvenience and potential penalties.
The Unprecedented Surge: Understanding the MOT Backlog
The root cause of this autumn's MOT bottleneck lies in the six-month MOT exemption introduced by the government at the start of the pandemic. Between 30th March and 31st July 2020, vehicles due an MOT were granted an automatic extension, allowing owners to delay their tests. While this provided much-needed flexibility during national lockdowns when garages were forced to close, it effectively shifted millions of MOT due dates. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed that a staggering 9.58 million vehicle owners took advantage of this exemption.
Now, more than a year later, the ripple effect is being keenly felt. The Motor Ombudsman, a leading automotive dispute resolution body, has highlighted that an additional 1.3 million extra MOTs are anticipated in September and October compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This represents an estimated 22 per cent increase in tests during these two months alone. Garage services are bracing for an exceptionally busy period, a phenomenon the AA has dubbed a 'Super September'.
Why You Can't Afford to Delay: The Consequences of No MOT
With demand soaring, the temptation might be to delay booking your MOT, but this could prove to be a costly mistake. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and carries severe penalties. You could face a fine of up to £1,000. Furthermore, your car insurance policy may be invalidated if your vehicle doesn't have a current MOT, leaving you uninsured in the event of an accident. It's not just about the law; an MOT test is a vital safety check, ensuring your vehicle meets minimum roadworthiness and environmental standards. Delaying it could put yourself, your passengers, and other road users at risk.
Strategic Booking: Your Key to Success This Autumn
Given the anticipated demand, the advice from motoring experts is unequivocal: book your MOT as soon as possible. Unlike many appointments, there's a clever way to ensure you don't lose out on your existing MOT expiry date, even if you book early.
You can have your vehicle tested up to one month (minus a day) before its current MOT certificate expires, and if it passes, the new MOT certificate will run from the expiry date of the old one. For example, if your MOT expires on 22nd October, you can have it tested from 23rd September onwards, and your new certificate will still be valid until 22nd October the following year. This 'buffer period' is designed precisely for situations like this, allowing you to secure an appointment without shortening your current MOT validity.
Booking early not only guarantees you a slot but also provides peace of mind. It allows you to choose a convenient time and garage, rather than being forced to take whatever is available at the last minute. Garages are already feeling the strain, as evidenced by the 60 per cent increase in demand seen by the Motor Ombudsman's Garage Finder tool in the first half of the year.
Understanding the MOT Test Itself
The MOT test is an annual inspection designed to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive and meets environmental standards. It's not a service, so it doesn't cover the general mechanical condition of your car, such as the engine, clutch, or gearbox. Instead, it focuses on key safety and environmental aspects. The maximum fee for an MOT test for an average car is £54.85.
Key components checked during an MOT include:
- Lights: Headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights must all be fully functional and correctly aligned.
- Tyres: Tread depth, condition, and pressure are checked. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm.
- Brakes: Efficiency, condition, and operation of all braking components are thoroughly inspected.
- Steering: Condition of components and smooth operation.
- Suspension: Dampers, springs, and linkages are checked for wear and damage.
- Seatbelts: All seatbelts must be present, in good condition, and operate correctly.
- Windscreen and Wipers: Clear view of the road, and wipers must clear the screen effectively.
- Horn: Must be working and suitable for the vehicle.
- Exhaust System and Emissions: Secure, free from leaks, and within legal emission limits.
- Vehicle Structure: Checked for excessive corrosion or damage in vital areas.
What happens if your car doesn't pass its MOT? If your vehicle fails, it will be issued a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate'. The vehicle cannot be driven on the road, except to a pre-booked appointment for repairs, or to another MOT test centre. You are typically given 10 working days for a free retest if the repairs are carried out at the same test centre and the vehicle is brought back within this timeframe. This period excludes weekends and bank holidays. It's crucial to address any 'major' or 'dangerous' defects immediately, as these deem the vehicle unroadworthy.
Essential Tools and Resources for Motorists
In these busy times, knowing where to find reliable information and services is paramount. If you're unsure when your MOT is due, you can easily check it online. The official GOV.UK vehicle enquiry service allows you to find your MOT expiry date (and road tax information) simply by entering your vehicle registration number. This free service provides instant access to crucial details, empowering you to plan ahead.
For finding a reputable garage, the Motor Ombudsman's Garage Finder tool is an invaluable resource. It lists thousands of independent garages, body repair centres, and franchise dealer workshops across the UK. Using a business accredited to their Service and Repair Code provides consumers with the assurance that the garage adheres to comprehensive guidelines and has committed to the highest standards of work and service. This peace of mind is especially important during periods of high demand.
Beyond the Test: Proactive Car Care
While the MOT is an annual requirement, maintaining your vehicle's roadworthiness shouldn't be a once-a-year thought. Regular checks throughout the year can help prevent failures and costly repairs. Simple checks like tyre pressure and tread depth, fluid levels, and light functionality can make a significant difference. Being proactive with your car's maintenance not only ensures it's ready for its MOT but also contributes to its longevity and your safety on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an MOT test?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection required for most vehicles over three years old in the UK. It checks that your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards.
How often is an MOT required?
Your vehicle needs its first MOT on the third anniversary of its registration. After that, it needs an MOT every 12 months.
What is the maximum cost of an MOT?
The maximum fee for a car or van (up to 3,000kg) MOT test is currently £54.85. Motorbike MOTs have a different maximum fee.
Can I drive my car if my MOT has expired?
No, it is illegal to drive a vehicle on public roads if its MOT has expired, unless you are driving it directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a place of repair for an MOT retest. Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
What should I do if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails, you'll receive a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate'. You must get any 'dangerous' or 'major' defects repaired immediately. You can usually get a free retest if the vehicle is repaired and returned to the same test centre within 10 working days.
How far in advance can I book my MOT?
You can book your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before your current MOT certificate expires. Doing so allows you to retain your original expiry date for the following year.
How do I find my MOT expiry date?
You can easily check your MOT expiry date for free by visiting the official GOV.UK vehicle enquiry service online and entering your vehicle's registration number.
Conclusion
The autumn of 2021 presents a unique challenge for UK motorists due to the lingering effects of the 2020 MOT exemption. With 1.3 million extra MOTs due in September and October, garages are facing unprecedented demand. Proactive booking is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity to avoid potential fines, ensure your vehicle's safety, and secure a convenient slot. Don't leave it to the last minute – check your MOT due date today and book your test with a reputable garage. Your safety, and your wallet, will thank you for it.
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