MOT Testing: When did your vehicle last have its MOT?

A backlog of vehicles who benefitted from the government’s Covid MOT extension, are now due for their MOT test.

According to the latest figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), only 2.1 million MOTs were carried out in April and May 2020 – compared to the 7.1 million MOTs which were conducted over the same period in 2019.

“Which means around five million vehicles didn’t book in for a test,” Dave Ellis, manager at Just the Ticket says. “So to avoid disappointment, we’re encouraging vehicle owners who are due a MOT, to book their car in sooner rather than later.”

‘Backlog in vehicles waiting for MOT’

This backlog comes after we saw the government introduce a Covid-19 MOT extension at the beginning of 2020, in a bid to better protect drivers from exposure to the virus.

This granted a six-month extension to all vehicles with MOT certificates expiring between 30 March to 31 July 2020.

While those whose MOTs ran out on or after 1 August 2020, had to book a retest as usual.

“This was something that’s never been done before,” Dave at Just the Ticket says. “But it now means there’s a backlog of vehicles all waiting to have an MOT test, as many of the six-month extensions will come to an end in September.”

What is an MOT?

A MOT test checks that your vehicle – whether it’s a car, motorcycle or bus – meets all the road safety and environmental standards.

An MOT isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement for you to drive on public roads. Without a valid MOT Certificate, your vehicle insurance is invalid.

When should you get an MOT?

If you’re unsure about when was the last time your car had its MOT, and when its certificate runs out, you can use this online service. You just need to insert the vehicle’s registration number, so make sure you have that at hand.

But generally speaking, any vehicle that is three years old or over, must get an MOT every year.

What happens at an MOT Test?

During an MOT Test, DVSA approved testers will look at all the important functions of your car to ensure that they meet the legal requirements.

This includes:

• Body or vehicle structure and general items

• Fuel system

• Exhaust emissions

• Exhaust system

• Seat belts

• Seats

• Doors

• Mirrors

• Load security

• Brakes

• Tyres and wheels

• Registration plates

• Lights

• Bonnet

• Wipers and washers

• Windscreen

• Horn

• Steering and suspension

If everything’s in safe and working order, our mechanics will provide you with a MOT Certificate, which proves your vehicle is safe to drive.

But if there are any mechanical issues that would prevent a pass, then we will provide you with an itemised account of any work required to bring the vehicle up to standard.

How we can help

Here at Just the Ticket, we have DVSA approved testers. This means we are accredited as an MOT testing centre and our dedicated team are here to ensure your car is back on the road safety – and quickly.

Along with petrol and diesel cars, we are also able to service or MOT electric and hybrid cars. And we are the first independent car garage in New Malden to be qualified to do so.

So whatever vehicle you have – do charge this way!

Book in for an MOT today – we’d be more than happy to look after your vehicle. You can book online or give us a call on 0208 336 1111