THE GOVERNMENT has announced a six month extension to MoT tests to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus crisis.

The extension applies to cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by six months with MoT test due dates from Monday onwards, so if a vehicle's MoT was to expire on April 3 this will be extended to October 3.

Their are different temporary rules for buses, lorries and trailers.

Drivers can check their MoT history online to see when they when they have been issued an exemption.

Paper exemption certificates will not be issued.

If the vehicle tax is also due, drivers can pay it as soon as the MoT date has been updated.

The Government warns drivers must still keep their vehicles safe to drive. It is allowing garages to remain open so drivers can still get an MoT if they need the vehicle to shop for food and medicine, for medical needs, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, or to travel to and from work - but only where this cannot be done from home.