September Surge in Demand for MOTs.
If your car is due an MOT in September then book as early as you can due to a surge in demand, the AA advises. Owners of cars due for an MOT next month are being urged to book early because of a surge in demand.
An MOT exemption introduced during the coronavirus pandemic has led to a big backlog of vehicles that must pass the annual test in September so they can legally remain on the road.
Drivers in England, Scotland and Wales were given six-month MOT extensions between March 30 and July 31 last year due to the nationwide lockdown. This meant many eventually had their cars tested in September 2020 and are due again in September 2021.
The AA estimates that 20% of motorists across the UK took up the offer to extend their car’s MOT, which equates to around 5.5 million vehicles.
Those whose tests are due in September will be competing with 339,000 car owners who bought new vehicles in September 2018 and are therefore due their first MOTs next month.
AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens 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. Don’t delay, book today. Usually people leave booking their MOT to the last possible moment. Drivers won’t have that luxury this time.”
Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for using a vehicle without a valid MOT.
Vehicles must have an MOT on the third anniversary of their registration, and then every 12 months.
A number of parts such as lights, seatbelts, tyres, and brakes are checked to ensure they meet legal standards.
