A fifth of drivers used Covid MOT extension

New research by the AA has unearthed the huge volume of drivers that made use of the lockdown MOT extension.

Introduced at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, cars, motorcycles and light vans were granted a six-month MOT exemption.  

A survey of more than 14,000 UK drivers found that a fifth (20 percent) of those asked had used the exemption. 

Based on the AA’s calculations, this could mean more than 5.5 million cars had their MOT inspection legally delayed last year.

Beware ‘Super September’

In England, drivers in the North East were most likely to have made use of the exemption. Some 23 percent of those questioned in the region had used the MOT deferral.

Across the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland saw a staggering 71 percent of drivers taking the exemption route. 

Adding to this may have been the chaos arising earlier in 2020. Unsafe ramp lifts closed 48 out of 55 Northern Irish MOT centres.

The exemption ended on 1 August 2020, meaning September 2021 could be a bumper month for MOT testing. A ‘Super September’ could cause booking issues, as delayed MOT tests are mixed with regular ones.

Full service history included?

The AA’s research also highlighted the differing standards for how frequently UK drivers service their cars. 

A substantial 75 percent claimed to have their car fully serviced each year, with 19 percent doing so less than once a year. 

However, six percent claim to not have their car serviced at all. Younger drivers and low-income households were least likely to undertake regular car servicing. 

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, commented; “With more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MOT, it is crucial they are tested to ensure they are safe to use.

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

ALSO READ:

European driving rules you should know about

How to avoid buying a cloned car

The best cars in each category