MOT test centres will remain open during the third national lockdown, announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on January 4.

The new, stricter restrictions mirror those seen during the first lockdown, but the Government says that MOT services will remain operational, unlike last year when MOT test centres were forced to close their doors, and drivers were granted a six-month MOT exemption from March 30, 2020.

That exemption ended in August 2020, with all cars, motorcycles or vans due an MOT test from August 1 now required to get a test certificate.

MOT test sites remained opened during the second lockdown last year, as garages "learned from their experiences from the first time around and have strict procedures in place that have enabled them to stay open for business," said Chris Crow, Fleet Assist's head of network.

Despite being allowed to remain open, MOT and service centres were inundated with bookings before the second coronavirus lockdown restrictions came into force.

Vehicle hire and service maintenance and repair (SMR) services will also remain open during the third lockdown, alongside petrol stations, motorway service areas, car parks, automatic (but not manual) car washes, bicycle shops and taxi services.

However, the Government has confirmed that driving tests and driving lessons have been suspended from January 5, until the restrictions are lifted.

The Government gov.uk website says it will email candidates who are affected to “let them know we will reschedule their test”.

All theory tests have also been suspended until the restrictions are lifted and anyone affected will be contacted by gov.uk.

The fleet industry is better placed to handle the challenges of a national lockdown, according to the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).

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