This page tells you what to do if you’re an MOT centre manager or tester during the coronavirus outbreak. It will be updated if anything changes. Sign up for email alerts

Rules on opening

You’re still allowed to open your garage or MOT centre and carry out MOT tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published guidance for vehicle owners that says:

Your MOT centre can stay open after 30 March 2020 to carry out MOTs if you need to. This could include retests or tests of a vehicle that had an MOT due before 30 March.

Garages can also stay open to carry out repairs or services as well.

What to do if someone becomes unwell in your MOT centre

If anyone has coronavirus symptoms, they should be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance.

Refuse to carry out a test if the customer has symptoms and should be in self-isolation.

For more full information read guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID 19)

Limiting the spread of coronavirus at your centre

You should:

follow social distancing advice and keep at least 2 metres between customers and members of staff at all times

remind employees and customers to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently than normal

frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using your standard cleaning products

use seat covers and new disposable gloves for every test

Viewing areas

You can close viewing areas if you want to.

MOT certificates

Do not print MOT certificates unless the customer needs it for a specific reason. Tell customers they can download and print the certificate when they get home and check their MOT history.

Taking payments

Avoid handling cash and use contactless card payments where possible. The contactless payment limit in UK increased from £30 to £45 from 1 April 2020.