MOT expiry dates and vehicle tax

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has confirmed that MOT expiry dates will be extended by 6 months for all MOTs due on or after 30 March 2020. This includes vehicles that are due their first MOT test and applies to cars, motorcycles, light vans and other light vehicles.

The MOT expiry date will be automatically extended just before it is due to expire. Your vehicle tax remains due as normal. You cannot renew your vehicle tax until your MOT expiry date has been extended. This means you might need to wait until later in the month to tax your vehicle after your MOT has been extended.

It is important that vehicles must be kept roadworthy even if a MOT date has been extended. Unsafe vehicles should be taken to an open garage for repair. There are different rules for those with MOT expiry dates on or before 29 March 2020 as the law only changed on 30 March. If you are affected, a MOT must be booked as usual unless you are self-isolating or extremely vulnerable from Coronavirus (shielding).

The Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to make sure people are not unfairly penalised for not being able to get a MOT. If you are not using your car, you can also register your vehicle as off the road by obtaining a statutory off road notification (SORN). This will allow you to obtain a refund of any remaining full months of road fund tax previously paid.