An Update From The DVSA

Nov 9, 2020

The DVSA has introduced new national restrictions in England to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The below statements provide insight as to what this will mean for MOT garages and vehicle testing from the 5th of November.


MOT testing in England

From Thursday 5 November, the Government is introducing new national restrictions in England to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

What this means for MOT garages

MOT garages can remain open.

To help ensure MOT testing can be conducted safely, you can read our guidance for MOT testers about operating safely during coronavirus.

A vehicle needs to have a valid MOT if it is being used, except for the journey to a pre-booked MOT.

Thank you

Information on the new national restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus can be read on the Government website.

Thank you for continuing to follow COVID-secure testing procedures to help ensure the safety of the public, your staff and DVSA staff.



DVSA services in England

From Thursday 5 November, the Government is introducing new national restrictions in England to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Vehicle testing

The national restrictions do not affect our heavy vehicle testing service and ATFs can remain open.

We can continue to provide the vehicle standards assessors needed to test heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) safely.

You should only book your vehicle or trailer in for its test close to its MOT due date. This will make sure vehicles and trailers which legally need a test can get one.

You should continue to manage the regular maintenance and inspection schedule for your vehicles and trailers. This is a legal requirement under your operator’s licence.

Vocational theory tests

Vocational theory tests will be affected during the national restrictions in England.

All theory tests will be suspended from Thursday 5 November and restart on Wednesday 2 December 2020.

We are emailing everyone with a test booked in England to let them know their test has been put on hold and they will need to reschedule it at https://www.gov.uk/change-theory-test

Driver CPC courses can continue during these dates if they are delivered online.  All face to face CPC courses will be suspended until Wednesday 2 December

Enforcement activity

We will continue our enforcement work to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles on our roads.

We’ll also continue to work remotely to support drivers and operators to follow guidance and legislation and, where appropriate, improve their driver and vehicle standards.

Thank you

Thank you for continuing to follow COVID-safe testing procedures to help ensure your safety and the safety of ATF and DVSA staff.

Information on the new national restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus can be read on the Government website.

We’re grateful to you for the vital role you’re playing at this challenging time.