Over 5.5m cars had MoTs delayed under Covid extension

The owners of over 5.5 million cars had their vehicles’ MoT certificates legally extended in 2020 under a Government scheme allowing tests to be delayed by up to six months, official DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) figures show.

The AA has warned drivers that MoT bookings will be in particularly high demand next month, as those vehicles that had their certificates extended will be due their test in September, along with all the other cars that would normally be tested during the month.

According to a poll of 14,688 drivers conducted by the AA, 20 per cent of UK drivers took advantage of the extension overall, with this number rising to 71 per cent in Northern Ireland and 23 per cent in the north-east of England.

Furthermore, only 75 per cent of respondents said they book their car in for a full service at least once a year, while another 19 per cent do service their cars but less frequently than this. Some six per cent never put their car through a full service - drivers aged 18 to 24 and members of low income households are least likely to have their cars serviced, despite these groups typically owning older cars that are more likely to suffer major mechanical issues.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “With more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MoT, it is crucial that they are tested to ensure they are safe to use. MoT centres are already feeling the strain and with ‘Super September’ looming, savvy drivers can get ahead of the game.

He added: “Usually people leave booking their MOT to the last possible moment, drivers won’t have that luxury this time.”

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