September 2021

Have you seen your first ’71 plate on the roads yet? From September 1 newly registered cars have been bestowed with the 71 designation and begin their allotted 3 years of MOT-free motoring.

When a car reaches it’s 3 year registration anniversary it is required by law to have the annual check up to ensure it is safe and roadworthy.

During the first lockdown many garages shut temporarily and lots of people struggled to get their cars booked in, so the Government issued a 6 month extension which came to an end last September.

Approximately 5.5 million cars took advantage of this extension, which resulted in a big surge in MOT's being carried out in September 2020.

If you add together the number of new cars registered 3 years ago due for their first MOT this month, and the additional cars who pushed their annual test back to September last year, the industry is expecting to see a huge demand for this legally required test over the coming 6-8 weeks.

Courts have the power to fine motorists up to £1000 for driving without a valid MOT, and it will almost certainly invalidate any insurance policies. Above all this though, the MOT is a test of vehicle safety.

When it was introduced in 1960 the MOT only tested cars more than 10 years old, and was restricted to braking, steering and lighting equipment.

Gradually over the years as technology and our understanding of accident mechanics has developed, the test has grown in scope to include such things as tyres, seatbelts and of course emissions.

Jack Cousens head of roads policy at the AA said ‘‘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.

If your MOT is due in September or October make sure you book it in for its test ASAP to avoid joining a waiting list.

Give us a call or check our website for availability.

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