MOT due date extension
The government has extended the MOT expiry dates by six months for cars, vans and motorcycles due on or after 30 March 2020. This applies to all vehicles, including those that need their first-ever MOT test.
We have created this tool to assist in updating your due dates and any automatic SMS reminders you have set should you choose to do so.
We have collected some information together in the FAQ below to help you decide the best approach for your business. If you need any further assistance or advice, please contact our support team.
For the latest government guidance, please see:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-from-30-march-2020
Different rules apply in Northern Ireland, and for lorries, buses and trailers. If this affects you and you need assistance, please contact us.
Open the tool from the Reminder Types screen under User Options.
⦁ Select the month
⦁ Select the reminder you want to update
⦁ You will be told how many reminders will be updated. Use the export button to save this list for future reference if you want to.
⦁ Acknowledge you understand the government advice by ticking the box.
⦁ Confirm the number of months to extend by. You should leave this as six for MOTs, but can enter 1 -12 for your other reminders as required.
⦁ Click ‘Update These Reminders’ to apply your changes.
You can repeat for each reminder type as required. Remember to update each month’s reminders at the appropriate time for your business.
Reminder FAQs
My businesses remains open, should I update my due dates?
Some garages and test centres are telling us that many of their customers, especially key workers, still want to maintain their vehicle under their existing schedules. If this is the case for you and you remain open, you may wish to continue to send reminders for the original date. At the end of each month, you can then use the tool to move the reminders forward six months for any customer who didn’t come in.
My business is temporarily closed
You may want to extend all your reminder dates to retain the business when you’re open.
Can I update other reminders, not just MOTs?
Yes you can. Simply select each reminder type that you want to extend.
Do I have to update by six months?
You can update your own reminder types by between 1 -12 months. If you update your MOT reminders, you should do this by six months in line with the published government guidance.
Should I update all my reminders at once?
The Government Online MOT checker and MOT History services are only showing the new date on, or shortly before, the vehicle’s original expiry date. We recommend only updating one month of records at a time in case the government changes its guidance.
When should I update my reminders?
This will depend on how you send out your reminders. If you use the automatic SMS service and you are temporarily closed, you will probably want to update each month just before the first scheduled remainder is due to go.
I send automatic SMS reminders, can I change the message?
Yes, you may want to consider updating your SMS reminder message template, especially if you want to reassure your customers that you are open. From Database > User Options > Messages. Here you can select your message templates and edit them. Any message sent will use the current text.
Can I send additional messages?
Yes, you can send out one-off messages manually to groups of customers from the CRM screen to let them know what services you are able to offer. For example, if you are offering pick up and drop off services or special offers for key workers. If you need help with this, please contact our support team.
