“If you are shielding, you are not required by law to update your MOT test certificate.”
Drivers who do not have a valid certificate in place are only allowed to drive their cars from their home to a pre-booked MOT test.
Drivers can also drive their cars to a garage if they are going for repairs which could help the car pass its test.
Police might even ask to see evidence of your appointment to catch out those using their cars illegally.
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However, experts at Halfords have warned drivers could even face penalties for driving with a valid certificate if their car is still in a poor condition.
“However, motoring technology is continually advancing and the MOT has always been developed to reflect that.
“As more and more drivers have new technology in their vehicles, it is natural that they will get used to relying on these driver aids, therefore it is essential that these are regularly checked to ensure they will work properly in an emergency.”
KwikFit found drivers who have received an MOT failure in the past were most in favour of updating the test.
Those who had failed previously were 15 percent more likely to believe the changes should be made.
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The MOT test was last updated in May 2018 where stricter rules were imposed on a range of car parts as well as the introduction of new defect categories.
No new extensions have been put into place in the new lockdown.
However, there are fears the original extension could lead to a rise in demand for tests and a backlog over January.
Those who had their test certificates extended in July will need to book a test before the end of January.
This means hundreds of road users will be booking tests alongside those who are traditionally due their exam at this time of the year.
Drivers who forget to book an MOT test and have their certificate expire will not be allowed to drive on the road legally.