The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has told Fleet News that requirements relating to vehicle testing are under review.

It has already suspended MOTs for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs).

The suspension will last for up to three months from Friday (March 20).

All HGV and PSV vehicles with an MOT will be issued with a three-month certificate of temporary exemption (CTE) until further notice, said DVSA.

Vehicles must be maintained, kept safe to drive (roadworthy) and operate within the terms of operators’ licence conditions, it added.

Check what you need to do to exempt your vehicle.

Lorries and trailers due for test in the suspension period will be issued with exemptions automatically. Some vehicles, such as those due for their first MOT test and vehicles returning to service with a test certificate that expired before March, will require an application for exemption certificates.

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “These are unprecedented times that need creative and pragmatic new approaches.”

However, he added: “It is vital that all vehicles on our roads remain safe to use and their roadworthiness must be maintained at all times. Routine testing is a vital part of our safety culture and we believe it should be restored as soon as possible.”

In terms of cars and vans, Chris Price, DVSA head of MOT policy, said: “Our priority is helping everyone keep their vehicle safe to drive.

“Requirements relating to vehicle use and testing are currently under review in light of the Coronavirus, with further updates to be provided in due course.”

For the latest from the Government on MOTs, click here.

More articles on: