Coronavirus: Drivers worry about MoT test backlogs as lockdown eases

Relatively few drivers intend to make use of the six-month MoT extension, according to new research from the RAC. 

Just one in 10 drivers (14 per cent) surveyed say they will make full use of the extra six months added to MoT due dates, with three times that proportion (44 per cent) planning on getting their car checked as normal despite the impact of the coronavirus.

The data comes from 2200 UK drivers surveyed in May 2020. Of those drivers, 16 per cent (352 drivers) said they're worried there will be a huge backlog of MoT tests as the lockdown is eased, making it harder to book a test. Half say they want to ensure essential safety checks are made at the right time. 

Forty per cent are confident their cars are in good working order and want them to pass their MoTs as soon as possible. 

An overwhelming 83 per cent say they're confident in the roadworthiness of their vehicle, despite it being impossible for a driver to check certain points themselves, including seatbelt safety, brakes and exhaust emissions.

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Of all the drivers surveyed, more than a quarter (27 per cent) said they weren’t even aware of the MoT extension.

Some industry voices, like the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have highlighted concerns around the number of vehicles on UK roads that might have otherwise failed their MoTs.

When it comes to servicing, around half of drivers said they still plan to get their car serviced regardless of the lockdown status, although just over a third say they’ll only do this once the lockdown is completely lifted.

"For those planning on making full use of the six-month MoT extension, it’s vital that if they believe something isn’t right with their car, or that they know it’s unlikely to pass an MOT if it took place tomorrow, they should take it in for repairs as soon as possible and not drive it in the meantime," said Head of RAC Motoring Services, Adam O’Neill.