Coronavirus: DVSA refuses to rule out second MoT extension

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has refused to rule out a second MoT extension.

The news comes after the government announced England will go into another lockdown on Thursday, which will run until 2 December.

A DVSA spokesperson told HonestJohn.co.uk: “We are working closely with Government to agree the impact of the lockdown in England on DVSA services. We will update customers as soon as possible.”

During the March lockdown, cars due an MoT – between 30 March and 31 July – were granted a six-month extension because, although garages weren’t legally obliged to close, many did for safety reasons. Mandatory MoT testing for all cars, vans and motorcycles in England, Scotland and Wales was reintroduced on 1 August.

This time around Halfords, National Tyres and Autocare, ATS Euromaster and Kwik Fit have all confirmed to HonestJohn.co.uk that their doors will remain open and you can expect most other garages to do the same.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit said: “Our experience from the previous lockdown period showed it was vital that we were able to support those customers making essential journeys. We ask customers wherever possible to book in advance, and to follow the guidance on social distancing and mask-wearing.”

Service centres are classed as essential businesses – unlike dealership showrooms – but it pays to make sure your garage is open before dropping your car off, not least because many are still busy working through an MoT backlog caused by the March shutdown.

Meanwhile in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a five-tier (Level 0 - Level 4) Covid restriction system with the Central Belt – 3.4 million people, including those in Edinburgh and Glasgow – currently living under Level 3.

Level 4 restrictions would be similar to the English lockdown so schools would remain open but all non-essential shops – including dealer showrooms – would have to close.