UK COVID-19 lockdown: what it means for MOTs, breakdowns, fuel stations

covid-19 lockdown
The government has suspended MOT tests for six months from 30 March 2020 (Picture iStock/yevtony)

Updated 03 November.

If you’re a Green Flag customer and want our latest advice on what to do if you break down, please visit our important updates page here.

The country is having a second COVID-19 lockdown from 5 November to 2 December. What does this mean for car owners? Read on to find out about MOTs, what’s happening with petrol stations, and what other motoring services are and aren’t available.

What if your car needs an MOT?

Earlier in the year, MOT expiry dates were extended by six months for certain vehicles. This extension was only for vehicles that had an MOT due between 30 March 2020 and 31 July 2020.

For MOTs due on or after 01 August, there’s no extension.

Garages are still open during the lockdown, so if your MOT is due, you should get this booked in. However, the Government advises that you should not get an MOT if you or someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms, or if you’ve been told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace. Wait until after your isolation period, then arrange your MOT.

To find out more, check our MOT rules explanation here.

You can find out if your MOT is due by clicking here.

covid-19 lockdown
Garages will be open to repair cars and for MOTs (Picture iStock/Ferrantraite)

Are fuel stations open?

Fuel is considered to be essential. So, filling stations are remaining open and supplies of fuel are being delivered as normal.

Garages and outlets selling fuel will still be open (Picture iStock/John-Kelly)

Are garages open?

Yes, garages are regarded as an essential service so they are still open. Keeping garages open will ensure they can repair the vehicles of key workers.

We highly recommend visiting our servicing, maintenance and repair partner Who Can Fix My Car to find a local garage that’s open for business. Their network of garages is the largest in the UK, and they are in constant communication with the entire network to keep their website up to date.

What about the driving test?

Driving tests have been postponed for the lockdown. You should get an email saying your test has been cancelled and you’ll get a full refund.

Are car dealers open?

Buying a new car is not considered essential during COVID-19 lockdown. As such, all car dealers will be closed. There is one silver-lining for this car-buying cloud. It gives you a lot more time to research online for your perfect new car.

Remember, for our latest updates throughout the lockdown and beyond, check our important updates page.

6 comments on “UK COVID-19 lockdown: what it means for MOTs, breakdowns, fuel stations

  1. Mark Davies 25/03/2020 8:17 PM

    I have changed address what do I do

    • Jack Stoker 30/03/2020 2:44 PM

      Hi Mark. You can still get in touch with us to let us know your new address. Visit our contact us page and use our Web Chat service to let us know. If the Web Chat team are busy, you’ll find a number you can use instead. Hope this helps.

  2. Martin 25/03/2020 10:05 PM

    Its says in your covid19 advice email that if I breakdown and have to be towed I would have to travel in my vehicle while its being towed to maintain social distancing, trouble there is my vehicle is a motorcycle ?

  3. Marie Mifsud 27/03/2020 1:55 PM

    Can you please urgently confirm if you have sent a text out today to your members with a link greenflag.uk/C19 I have just received this an opened the link have I been scammed

    Thankyou

    • Jack Stoker 30/03/2020 2:26 PM

      Hi Marie, thanks for getting in touch. Yes, that link is from us (it’s a shortened link to take you to our important COVID-19 updates page).

  4. steve burstow 03/04/2020 9:42 AM

    While we who have to are staying indoors, our cars are lying idle. Is there any advice which Green flag could issue about what to do? Should we start them from time to time or move them a bit to spread the load on the tyres or simply leave them alone?

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