The UK government has announced it is to end its controversial six-month MoT extension scheme on August 1. The UK Department for Transport says that any vehicle with an MoT due before that date will still get the added six months, but vehicles with due dates after August 1^st will be tested as normal.

While this new rule applies to vehicles registered in England, Scotland and Wales, the position in Northern Ireland is less clear. Here vehicles in certain categories will be subject to testing from July 1^st, including first time test due buses and taxis, vehicles not registered in Northern Ireland and due a test and vehicles with an MOT expired by more than 12 months. Vehicle testing for all other vehicles will remain suspended and owners of these vehicles are advised that they should not attempt to book an appointment as Temporary Exemption Certificates will continue to be applied. The Driver & Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland has however said there are plans to extend testing to other categories from August, including four year old cars and motorbikes and three year old light goods vehicles. In addition, the DVA also plans to recommence testing of heavy goods vehicles, trailers and buses at the same time. 

MoT extensions were put in place at the end of March, in line with Coronavirus prevention measures, with a six month extension for most of the UK and a 12 month extension in Northern Ireland. However, as lockdown measures have been eased and road use has increased, there have been concerns raised about unroadworthy vehicles returning to the road and posing a safety risk.

The move has been welcomed by the UK aftermarket and is expected to provide a boost for garages business in the lead up to August 1^st.