In response to the developing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the government has announced a six-month extension on MoT certificates in order to reduce the need for unnecessary travel and minimise the spread of the virus.

The measures come in to place from March 30^th, meaning if your MoT is due after this date, its expiry date will automatically extend for six months. For example, if your bike’s MoT is due on 3^rd April, this will automatically extend to 3^rd October and you will need to get your MoT by this date.

You can check your new MoT expiry date on the government’s website, although they have warned this will not be updated straight away. You will not get a paper exemption certificate.

However, while MoT tests are being delayed – the government have warned that it is the owners’ responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe for the road during this time and warn that fines of up to £2,500 can be issued for anyone found using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. Find more information on how to check your bike is safe here.

If your bike’s first MoT is due

Your vehicle will be automatically given a six-month MoT exemption from the date its first MOT was due.

If your first MoT was due before 30 March 2020 and your bike did not pass

Your bike will not get an extension to its MoT due date.

Your bike will need to pass an MoT before you can ride it again.

The government is allowing MoT centres and garages to remain open. So you can still get an MoT if you need your bike:

• to shop for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
• for any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• to travel to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home