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AIBU?

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Original poster

Can I get my car MOTd?

85 replies

cloudbutter · 23/03/2020 20:42

This sounds absolutely ridiculous considering the issues some people are facing, but I'm a key worker, who needs to do visits. My car is booked for an MOT on Wednesday. Will I still be able to get my car MOTd? Or do I have to declare it off-road and not work?

OP posts:
rookiemere · 23/03/2020 21:25

I'm in exactly the same position as you OP. I realised today that mine expired in February Blush - my old one was in May and I keep forgetting this one is earlier. I need to ring them tomorrow and see what to do, if need be I will declare it out of use and not drive until I can get it MOTd.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 23/03/2020 21:29

Not a ridiculous question in any way - I've been wondering the same. My car is currently off-road, new MoT due in mid April, but hopefully we'll have the funds to have the necessary repairs done by about June, so that would actually work very nicely for me. Blush

As the PP said, though (and I noticed at the last minute), the screenshot is for buses and lorries, so it might differ for cars.

Obviously, fixing and keeping cars on the road - especially for key workers - is essential; but if we're honest, fixing problems that arise is a completely different matter from having an annual MoT, if we're looking from a necessity pov.

Considering that your car could develop an MoT-failing fault the day after you had it tested and it's still legal for another year anyway, I can't think it would automatically represent a huge across-the-board danger if cars end up going 15 months between tests instead of 12.

Papoy · 23/03/2020 21:30

Doesnt sound essensial unless you are a truck driver 😬

Original poster
cloudbutter · 23/03/2020 21:33

@papoy - yes the hundreds of NHS workers, law enforcement, carers, teachers etc whose cars are due their MOT aren't essential...

OP posts:
WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 23/03/2020 21:39

It looks like it's currently under review by the government, so they might issue guidance soon.

Weregoingonanadventure · 23/03/2020 21:39

Until the government issue an extension for all vehicles, MOTs are essential and will remaind available.
Many garages and dealerships will choose to close for their own safety, but many will remain open and work as "no contact" as possible.

If the government issue extensions then this changes, but at the moment your MOT is essential and you need to get it done. I wouldn't risk not having my car... I dont plan on going anywhere hut if one of my kids is injured or ill then I would want my car to be legally road worthy.

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 23/03/2020 21:39

My car is due in for friday. I work for a Gp so i need my car yo get to work.

Insideimsprinting · 23/03/2020 21:40

I have fuel station/garage/mot station. We are staying open. Key workers still need to drive, people will still be going for food. They will need their cars for travel so will need fuel and their cars to work so we're cracking on for now.

WilburWeathervane · 23/03/2020 21:45

No info regarding MOT as yet. Lots of garages have made their own decision to close but as it stands at the moment the normal rules regarding having a valid MOT are still in place, e.g. you can only drive a vehicle with an expired MOT to a pre-arranged appointment. Keep an eye on Gov.uk for more information or call DVSA but be prepared for a wait as there are not many people available to take calls. Wink

Owlypants · 23/03/2020 21:45

I'm not looking forward to dh coming home sick. He works in a garage, it's been busier than usual this past week, nobody there is staying 2 metres apart and many people have come in obviously sick.

PineappleDanish · 23/03/2020 21:52

My cars MOT is due on 10th April. I have booked it in at a local garage for 31st March. If I can't get it done then it'll be fine as soon as it's practical to do so. They can't fine people in these exceptional circumstances.

playthestation · 23/03/2020 21:53

I'm so worried. My MOT is already 2 months out of date.

Stop driving it then.

I completely forgot about it. Spoke to them on the phone and they said don't worry

I bet they did. It makes no difference then if you get caught or if your car kills someone because it has an undetected dangerous fault. That's why we have MOT's.

playthestation · 23/03/2020 21:54

It makes no difference to them. Personal responsibility. Do not drive your car. B

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 23/03/2020 21:55

Forgot to say that its the first mot as my car is 3 years old.

ineedsun · 23/03/2020 22:04

Yeah mines first MOT, I hadn't realised it was due but it needs doing now (not driven it for a few weeks as been self isolating), other one is due at the end of the week. Meant to book it in after payday then got sick.

Hope the garage in the village can do it 🤞

QuestionableMouse · 23/03/2020 22:06

You can do insurance and road tax online.

QuestionableMouse · 23/03/2020 22:08

@playthestation

Bit harsh! I bought a car a few years ago with a new MOT. The brakes failed on the way home which was an incredibly fun experience.

playthestation · 23/03/2020 22:18

Bit harsh!

No. It's not harsh. Driving a car without an MOT is irresponsible, potentially dangerous and also illegal.

MI bought a car a few years ago with a new MOT. The brakes failed on the way home which was an incredibly fun experience.

That doesn't really bring the argument for not MOT'ing a car though, does it? Unfortunately things do happen with new/less than 3 year old cars, but the law states when you need an MOT and that's when you need it. 2 months later is ridiculous.

MondeoFan · 23/03/2020 22:20

I think it's a no. It's also illegal to drive a car on the road without an MOT. I believe you can use it only to get the car to a pre booked appointment

Original poster
cloudbutter · 23/03/2020 22:25

@pkaythestation I've SORNed it.

OP posts:
barnabybenny · 23/03/2020 22:27

My DP owns a garage, it’s independent not a dealership, so far no guidance so we’re assuming that it’s an essential service and will be staying open until we are told to close. It’s non-essential retailers who have been ordered to close.

We’re making everything as non-contact as we can.

ICouldHaveBeenAContender · 23/03/2020 22:27

On Friday I booked my MOT for 27th. Garage phoned today to cancel. Luckily the MOT is valid until 17 April.

Don't delay taxing - the DVLA site checks if your car has a valid Mot and won't let you tax it either. guess how I know

Original poster
cloudbutter · 23/03/2020 22:33

I've SORNed it it's fine - not worried about being caught as I don't intend on driving it until it's MOT is done. It was a genuine mistake. I didn't intentionally go without MOT!

OP posts:
playthestation · 23/03/2020 22:34

I've SORNed it.

SORN is to do with your tax, not your MOT.

Original poster
cloudbutter · 23/03/2020 22:39

@playthestation a soon as I realised I had run out of MOT I booked it in and SORNed the car. I've got an MOT booked in this week as soon as possible. I admit my mistake wholeheartedly. I feel like I've had enough of a telling off from you this evening 😅

OP posts:
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