MoT tests: 750,000 took place in April despite six-month extension

The number of MoT tests in Britain fell 80 per cent between March and April, but over a quarter of a million tests still took place

More than a quarter of a million MoT tests took place in Britain in April 2020, despite a six-month grace period having been implemented.

There were 746,157 MoT tests in April 2020, despite all cars, motorbikes and light vans that were due a test on or after 30 March being granted an automatic six-month MoT extension in light of coronavirus. The total number of tests was down 80 per cent compared with the 3,723,524 tests seen in March, though.

The data, which comes from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) via a freedom of information request made by car-selling comparison site Motorway.co.uk, shows Perth in Scotland was the postal area with the biggest decrease in MoT tests, seeing an 85.7 per cent drop, from 11,535 in March, to 1,654 in April. Inverness was second, with an 85.6 per cent fall over the same period, followed by Carlisle, which saw an 84.5 per cent decline in MoT testing.

The DVSA recently updated its guidance to clarify that vehicles that fail their MoT after being tested automatically lose the six-month extension, and must be repaired and pass an MoT before being allowed back on the road.

Postcode Postal Area MoTs - March 2020 MoTs - April 2020 Percentage drop in test numbers
PH Perth 11,535 1,654 85.7 per cent
IV Inverness 16,419 2,369 85.6 per cent
CA Carlisle 22,317 3,456 84.5 per cent
LD Llandrindod Wells 3,370 529 84.3 per cent
PA Paisley 17,542 2,765 84.2 per cent
CH Chester 42,734 7,005 83.6 per cent
SA Swansea 49,074 8,229 83.2 per cent
SY Shrewsbury 25,495 4,304 83.1 per cent
UB Southall 17,717 2,996 83.1 per cent
BR Bromley 13,846 2,343 83.1 per cent

In contrast, the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham, was the postal area that saw the most MoT tests conducted in April 2020 - some 21,324 took place. Sheffield was second, followed by Nottingham.

Postcode Postal Area MoTs - April 2020
B Birmingham 21,324
S Sheffield 18,170
NG Nottingham 15,115
BS Bristol 14,246
PE Peterborough 12,988

Alex Buttle, director of Motorway.co.uk, commented: “These figures from the DVSA show that despite motorists having the opportunity to postpone their MoT test, many have chosen not to do so. There could be a number of reasons why, with general car maintenance, ongoing value and safety issues likely at the forefront of many drivers’ minds.”

He added: “From a cost point of view, cash-strapped car owners might consider delaying their MoT for the full six months, but the reality is that the cost of a test is small compared to the human cost if you’re driving a car that has a serious fault or defect.”

Has your MoT been impacted by coronavirus? Let us know in the comments below...

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