What happened to the MOT extension scheme ?

[Mandrake]

Some months ago we were told that MOT's that were due between March 30th and the end of September would be extended by 6 months. The Xantia is due on 9th August so falls into this category. Today I stumble across this story by accident saying that the AA etc are pushing for this to be repealed:

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/ca ... nsafe-cars

I've heard nothing about a change to this policy prior to this.

When I check the Xantia online (R502ODV) it still lists it as August 9th. So has it been repealed already ? Or is the MOT check website in error ?

Quite annoying as if I'd known this was happening I would have made the time to get the Xantia shipshape for it's MOT over the last month while I've been at home on lockdown. Now I'm back to work on the 6th of July and only have about a month to get it ready for the MOT before it runs out - if indeed the 6 month extension has been reversed!

Does anyone know what is going on with the Coronavirus MOT extension ?

[bobins]

The scheme is still in place. Individual car extensions are only applied a few days before the old MOT expires. The scheme will run for 12 months. You can still have your car MOT'd as normal if you want.

[Paul-R]

The Xantia is due on 9th August...

It's too early for the extension to be applied to any MOTs in August. They seem to be running about a week (maybe two now) ahead of the due date for extensions.

It doesn't mean that you'll definitely get the extension then though. The government has plenty of time to announce the early ending of the scheme!

[myglaren]

The scheme is still in place. Individual car extensions are only applied a few days before the old MOT expires. The scheme will run for 12 months. You can still have your car MOT'd as normal if you want.

Certainly hope so as I am aiming on replacing my car and may need some breathing space.

[Richard_C]

This from the Guardian news feed just after 3.00 pm today (29th June):

Mandatory MOTs for vehicles in Britain are being reintroduced from 1 August, the roads minister Lady Vere has announced. In a statement she said:

Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.

[Gibbo2286]

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/ma ... =msedgdhp

[bobins]

Full details here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... march-2020

Commence chaos.

[Richard_C]

So MOT test centres have to fit 11 months worth of 'normal' workload into 6. Hmmm.... is there sufficient capacity?

[bobins]

Under 'normal' circumstances I need to book an MOT a few weeks in advance at my usual garage to get a test booked - and that's with me leaving my car/truck with them for a full day.
No wonder Lady Vere said: "........and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can."

I would say 'you have been warned', but the trouble is that most of the motoring public will be clueless.

[Mandrake]

Full details here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... march-2020

Commence chaos.

Great, so the government has done a bait and switch, and not adequately informed anyone of the changes... (I only smelt a rat when I checked my MOT due date and it had not changed as originally promised)

According to that only MOT's due between 30th March and 31 July will be extended, whereas that was not previously the case:

https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish ... way/195246

Yesterday (June 10), a government spokesperson for the Department and Vehicle Standards Agency told Car Dealer ‘there are no further updates’ still and reconfirmed the statement issued at the end of May.

Currently, anyone with an MOT due during the current 12-month timeframe automatically gets an extension of six months issued seven days before the MOT is due. The MOT extension is running from March 30, 2020, to March 29, 2021.

Not happy at all, now I have to scramble at short notice to check the car over and try to get it booked in, all while starting back at work.

[mickthemaverick]

Full details here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... march-2020

Commence chaos.

Not happy at all, now I have to scramble at short notice to check the car over and try to get it booked in, all while starting back at work.

Not really that bad Simon. The extensions were granted with the caveat that the owner was still responsible for keeping the vehicle roadworthy during the extended period so it should be in a "ready for the MOT test" condition anyway!!

[bobins]

Whilst it is up to the motorist to ensure they have a valid MOT (where applicable), the Government really ought to ensure every motorist is aware the MOT rules are changing to the disbenefit of the motorist with only just over a months notice.
The Government can do what it wants to do, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't ensure every motorist is aware of the changes.

[Paul-R]

The government has plenty of time to announce the early ending of the scheme!

What did I say!

Time to buy a lottery ticket perhaps?

[bobins]

The government has plenty of time to announce the early ending of the scheme!

What did I say!

Yep, you got that right !
I'm astonished they've curtailed it so quickly. I can imagine they would end the scheme, say, December 31st and put out a fair few press releases in advance of that to make sure everyone is forewarned, but to give 1 months notice seems a little hasty. I wonder what drove their decision ? Putting some more commerce towards the garage sector ? Too many people taking advantage of the 6 month extension and that getting them worried that a lot more 'dangerous' cars would be on the road ? Too few people taking advantage of the extension and realising that to most people it was 'business as usual' ? Didn't want to set a precedent ?

[myglaren]

This from the Guardian news feed just after 3.00 pm today (29th June):

Mandatory MOTs for vehicles in Britain are being reintroduced from 1 August, the roads minister Lady Vere has announced. In a statement she said:

Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.

Damn! Mine is due in the middle of August