Can I get an MOT during lockdown?

A second national lockdown to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic is in place in England, so what does that mean if your car is due a new MOT or a service? 

While many businesses are closed during the lockdown, car MOT and service centres can remain open. The government has confirmed that MOTs that are due to expire during the lockdown can't be extended, as they could during the first one.

In short, you can get an MOT during the lockdown. And if your car is due an MOT before the restrictions are lifted, it’s your responsibility to get it tested.

Many businesses and venues will be closed until 2nd December. This includes car showrooms, although you’ll still be able to buy a car online and book an appointment to collect it under the government’s ‘click & collect’ guidelines. If you buy a car from Cazoo, you can still book an appointment to collect it from one of our Customer Centres during the lockdown.

All servicing, repair and MOT centres can remain open since they’re classified as an essential service, but they must follow Covid-secure guidelines. That means it’s safe to book your car in for a service or MOT if one is due.

While the guidelines say you should reduce the number of journeys you make, you’re allowed to travel to buy goods and services and this includes driving your car to and from a service or MOT centre.

The lockdown in England will be in place from Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December. If your MOT is due during this period, you must book a test to continue using the car. You can’t drive or park your car on the road if the MOT has run out and you'll also be unable to tax the car without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. The date of expiry is printed on your current MOT pass certificate. You can also check it online using the government website. 

If you buy a Cazoo car it will come with a recent MOT that's valid for at least 6 months, unless your car is less than three years old. Cars less than three years old don’t require an MOT.

If your car is due for its next service it’s best not to put this off, since it could have an impact on your warranty and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep your car running as healthily and safely as possible.

All MOT and service centres can stay open during the lockdown as long as they follow Covid-19 guidelines, although some may choose to close temporarily. 

You’ll need to book an appointment at any car MOT or service centre and it’s worth bearing in mind that they’re likely to be busy due to the knock-on effect of the previous lockdown.

All Cazoo Service Centres will remain open. We have Service Centres in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Manchester, Northampton and Wembley. To request a booking, simply choose your nearest Service Centre and enter your car registration number.

All car MOT and service centres must continue to follow Covid-secure sanitising and social distancing measures during the lockdown. The guidelines state that objects and surfaces must be cleaned and that disposable seat covers and gloves should be used for every test. 

At Cazoo Service Centres your health and safety is our top priority and we have strict Covid-19 measures in place to make sure that we do everything to keep you safe.

Cars, motorcycles and light vans that were due an MOT during the first national lockdown were granted a six-month extension to restrict movement and help prevent the spread of the virus. 

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed there won’t be a similar extension during the second lockdown. In a tweet, the DVSA said: “MOT garages are still open in England under the new national restrictions. Your car, van or motorbike needs to have a valid MOT if it is being used, except for the journey to a pre-booked MOT.”

Our Service Centres are open for essential servicing, MOTs and repairs for those who need to keep moving. We offer everything from servicing, MOT tests and diagnostics to brake repairs and there’s a 3-month or 3000-mile warranty on any work we carry out. To request a booking, simply choose your nearest Service Centre and enter your car registration number.