AFTER lockdown measures were introduced last night to help combat the spread of coronavirus, some motorists have been left with questions about where that leaves them with their cars.

Although most of us won't be needing our cars for the foreseeable future, key workers do need to keep their vehicles up and running.

So what should motorists do if their MOT is running out while we are in lockdown?

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For drivers of cars, motorbikes and light vans, these vehicles still need to have their MOTs kept up to date.

A spokesman for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said: “People should stay at home and avoid travel unless absolutely essential.

"The only reasons you should leave your house are set out in the government guidance.

"The Department for Transport is urgently looking at MOT testing for cars, motorcycles and light vans in light of the current situation and will provide an update shortly.

"Annual tests for lorries, buses and trailers have already been suspended for up to three months.”

At the moment, garages are among the businesses that do not have to close, although some may be short-staffed or have trouble ordering vehicle parts, so check with plenty of time to spare when your MOT is due.

Last week, the DVSA introduced a three-month MOT exemption for lorries, buses and trailers from March 21.

In most cases, your vehicle or trailer will be automatically issued a three month exemption, and you do not need to do anything.

You will not receive a paper exemption certificate. Instead, your MOT will be extended by three months from its current due date.

You can check your MOT history to see when you have been issued an exemption.

However, you will need to apply for an exemption if your vehicle fits into one of these categories:

  • A public service vehicle (PSV) with an MOT that expires in March.
  • Any vehicle that needs a first MOT (annual test) before March 31.
  • A vehicle or trailer returning to service where the test certificate expired before March.
  • A vehicle needing a dangerous goods (ADR) test before March 31.

To apply for an exemption, email retrokeyteam@dvsa.gov.uk with either the subject heading of ‘PSV exemptions’, ‘First test exemptions’, ‘Out of service vehicles’, or ‘ADR enquiries’.