Skip advert
Advertisement

Over 5.5m cars had MoTs delayed under Covid extension

More than a fifth of drivers took advantage of MoT extension, with motorists warned MoT bookings will be in high demand this September

MOT testing station

The owners of over 5.5 million cars had their vehicles’ MoT certificates legally extended in 2020 under a Government scheme allowing tests to be delayed by up to six months, official DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) figures show.

The AA has warned drivers that MoT bookings will be in particularly high demand next month, as those vehicles that had their certificates extended will be due their test in September, along with all the other cars that would normally be tested during the month.

According to a poll of 14,688 drivers conducted by the AA, 20 per cent of UK drivers took advantage of the extension overall, with this number rising to 71 per cent in Northern Ireland and 23 per cent in the north-east of England.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Furthermore, only 75 per cent of respondents said they book their car in for a full service at least once a year, while another 19 per cent do service their cars but less frequently than this. Some six per cent never put their car through a full service - drivers aged 18 to 24 and members of low income households are least likely to have their cars serviced, despite these groups typically owning older cars that are more likely to suffer major mechanical issues.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “With more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MoT, it is crucial that they are tested to ensure they are safe to use. MoT centres are already feeling the strain and with ‘Super September’ looming, savvy drivers can get ahead of the game.

He added: “Usually people leave booking their MOT to the last possible moment, drivers won’t have that luxury this time.”

Have you given your car an extended MoT? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio prepares for launch: And it's not an EV
Renault Clio Mk6 (camouflaged) - front 3/4 tracking

New Renault Clio prepares for launch: And it's not an EV

The Clio isn’t going anywhere despite the reemergence of the Renault 5
News
22 Apr 2025
Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five long-term test: hype, heritage and a hint of madness
Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five long-term test - header

Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five long-term test: hype, heritage and a hint of madness

Does the retro-inspired electric supermini live up to the massive hype?
Long-term tests
21 Apr 2025