Through the pandemic, various changes were taking place concerning vehicles on the road in the UK. People were unsure about getting their MOT vehicle registrations because, for the most part, most of them were spending much of their time at home. An MOT test is a mandatory test that vehicles over three years old have to clear annually. They are a series of exams where they review the car and check whether they match the required safety, are in a good enough condition to be on the road, and should fall within the correct pollution norms.
However, there were many changes during the pandemic with the implementation of various rules to reduce the spread of the virus. Most countries were imposing lockdown rules and forcing as many people as possible to remote work. While many jobs could make the move to the internet, many others were finding it challenging to keep up. Additionally, such a large number of people spent most of their time at home, so they were unsure about getting through the MOT test to see if their vehicle was in good enough condition to be on the road.
The rules relating to the MOT test
When it comes to the MOT test, you have to make sure that your car is in good condition. All vehicles have to get through their MOT annual after completing three years. While this is the rule across the board, there are a few exceptions. Before applying for an MOT check, people had to make sure that their vehicle met all the criteria so that they would clear the check. After that, they had to apply for the check and wait to get a date when they would be able to get through the
check.
Vehicles without an MOT were not allowed to move on the roads and they had to make sure that they cleared the test first. If they went through the test and did not pass, they had to apply for it again. There were various measures that they had to get through and the MOT test also varied from vehicle to vehicle. Some vehicles were finding it challenging to get through the test based on the way that they were built. The MOT tests were handled by a separate department that
would allow people to get through the process.
Statistically, every year there were more than 33% of vehicles applied for and did not pass the MOT test. However, they did not have a choice but to make sure they went through the process. The MOT test did not only matter for cars and some bikes had to get through the tests as well. The rules when it comes to bikes are slightly different but they have to get through them all the same.
The changes to the MOT because of COVID?
MOT had to change its rules, much like most other companies, at the time that the COVID pandemic started upsetting everything that was taking place. People were unsure about the process and since most of them were not leaving their houses, they were not sure why they would want to get their vehicle MOT tested.
Additionally, through the pandemic, people were not leaving their homes because there was a chance that they could catch the virus. The MOT made changes to their rules to allow people to book an appointment and they would get someone who would come to their house to collect their car for the test and bring it back when it was done getting through it. Additionally, they made some changes to the rules and they were allowing people to delay their tests for a few months, which was a blessing because it was during the peak of the pandemic.
Through the pandemic, there were a large number of people who were quite uncertain about the process. Much like all Government documents, the MOT test is only valid for a year and every vehicle owner has to get through the process again. They can only apply for a renewal of their MOT test in the month before it expires which is another challenge that they have to get through. One of the best parts about the MOT check was that people no longer had to get it done in person and could apply for the test remotely. There are websites where people can apply for their MOT tests if they do not want to go to the service center and see if there is an available slot that they have to work with. They would have to fill out their information and they would receive the most convenient date for them to get the test. They could have someone come to their homes and get through the test at ease. There were other changes they were getting through as well.
After getting the test date, they should make sure that their vehicle is in good condition to clear the test in the first attempt otherwise they would have to get through it again. The MOT test always had an amendment or a clause which started becoming quite popular during the pandemic which was the SORN. People could register for the SORN online which was a quick and simple process People had to get through a process where they mentioned that they would
no longer be using a vehicle and that it should not be taxed anymore until they planned on using
it again.
Ideally, they need to make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) when taking a vehicle ‘off the road’ so it is not taxed or insured. They can get through the same process again as soon as they want to use it again and would have to pay a small charge. Through the pandemic, many were not using their vehicle, so it made sense that the authorities stop taxing them, especially in households with multiple vehicles. People had many cars in their houses because they were taking them to different workplaces. Once everyone started getting back to the office, they started registering and using their vehicle again. In the meantime, they stuck to one registered car in the house.
