The government have granted a temporary exemption to vehicles requiring an MOT test, this is to help facilitate essential travel in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. This exemption will start on the 30th March 2020, and will last for 6 months.
Whilst this will allow essential travel for key workers to get to work, for vital shopping trips to be made, and for essential services to continue, vehicles must be kept in roadworthy condition & garages are noted to be staying open for repair work to be carried out where needed.
If your vehicle has an MOT test due before the 30th March 2020, it will still be required as normal with no extension. If your MOT is due on or after the 30th March, you can get your MOT arranged in the 6 month extension period.
Be warned though, drivers can still be prosecuted for driving unsafe vehicles - so for example, if your tread depth is getting below the legal limit, you can still be fined!
If you're looking at buying a second hand motorcycle or scooter with no valid MOT certificate in this time, be extra careful to check the vehicle over before riding it on the road.
Remember, you will still require an updated MOT test certificate if it expires in the time leading up to the 30th March, whilst any dates due from the 30th March on, will be extended by the 6 months.
The official government advice is still to remain at home, and avoid all travel where possible.