Can I still get an MOT and service done for my car during second lockdown? New rules explained

The looming second national lockdown will force non-essential retailers to close, find out how you can still get your car serviced under the new restrictions.
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From Thursday, November 5 the country will enter the second national lockdown of this year – which will see non-essential retailers such as clothing shops, restaurants and pubs not offering takeaway services and gyms to close.

The harsh new nationwide restrictions which aim to slow the spread of the virus and prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed at the height of winter, asks people to stay at home where possible.

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There have been concerns about how motorists will continue to get their car serviced and maintained during the shutdown.

The second national lockdown which comes into effect on Thursday, will see non-essential retailers close.The second national lockdown which comes into effect on Thursday, will see non-essential retailers close.
The second national lockdown which comes into effect on Thursday, will see non-essential retailers close.

Can I still get my MOT done during lockdown?

MOT testing centres are allowed to stay open under the new restrictions, which means you can get your car tested even after the lockdown measures come into force.

If you rely on your vehicle to get from A to B and it is due an MOT then you will still be able to get your car booked in and serviced.

The new restrictions come in at the same time the MOT extension from the previous lockdown ends.

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Drivers have been warned to book their car in before for the MOT expires as many garages are experiencing increased demand.

Will the servicing departments of dealerships stay open?

While dealerships will be forced to shut from Thursday, it seems certain that the servicing departments of car dealerships will be allowed to stay open – judging by the previous lockdown.

This means if you car is due a service then you should still be able to book in at your nearest dealer, although motorists should call ahead in advance to double check this is still the case for your local dealership.

But as dealerships are ordered to shut under the second lockdown, it could mean many businesses also decide to shut down their servicing department for the duration of the shutdown period.

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Should I wait until after lockdown to get my car serviced and MOT’d?

Cars are required by law to have a valid MOT and as no MOT extension has been declared for the second lockdown, drivers must make sure their car gets tested and certified as safe to drive.

If you do not get your car serviced by its deadline then you could face fines and penalty points on your licence if you are caught driving a vehicle with an expired MOT certificate.

Even if your vehicle is just coming up for its routine service, it is advised to get it booked in to be assessed as soon as possible.

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Garages across the country have learnt from the previous lockdown and introduced strict health and safety measures in order to keep going, so many will be operating just as they have been for several months during the second lockdown period.

Joel Combes, director of motor trade legal experts Lawgistics, told Car Dealer Magazine: “As far as we can assume, the rules are likely to be the same as the first lockdown.

“Garages are essential businesses and the rules state that essential businesses can stay open. We are assuming that the rules will be the same as those earlier in the year.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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