Get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus or trailer

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Overview

You need to get an HGV, bus or trailer MOT (also known as an ‘annual test’) for:

  • goods vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3,500 kilograms (kg)
  • vehicles that are built or have been adapted to form part of an articulated vehicle
  • semi-trailers
  • horseboxes with a gross weight of more than 3,500kg
  • ‘A’ frame trailers and converter dollies manufactured on or after 1 January 1979
  • trailers with an unladen weight of more than 1,020kg with powered braking systems (instead of standard overrun brakes and as well as the required parking brake)
  • all public service vehicles (such as buses and coaches) with more than 8 passenger seats - not including the driver’s seat

Check Form V112/G for a list of vehicles that are exempt from the HGV MOT. You still might need to get a standard MOT for the vehicle.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): MOT extensions

There are some changes to MOT tests because of coronavirus. How this affects you depends on when your MOT is due to expire.

HGVs and buses (including coaches) usually must be tested each year. The first test should be 12 months after the vehicle was first registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Trailers must usually be tested one year after they were first sold or supplied.

Because of coronavirus, the MOT for your HGV, bus or trailer will automatically get extended for 3 or 12 months.

If your vehicle or trailer is over 2 years old

Most vehicles will get a 3 month extension on the MOT expiry date. MOTs originally due to expire in March or April 2020 will get a 6 month extension.

If your vehicle or trailer is between 1 and 2 years old

You’ll get a 12 month extension.

If you hold an operator licence

You’ll get a 12 month extension, regardless of the vehicle age, if you hold an operator licence and one of the following applies:

Check that the extension has been applied

You can check your vehicle or trailer’s MOT history to see if the extension has been applied and what your new MOT due date is.

New MOT expiry dates

The table shows the date your vehicle must now pass its MOT by, depending on the length of extension you’re eligible for.

HGVs and trailers are due by the last calendar day of the month. Buses (including coaches) are due on specific days of the month.

Month MOT was originally due to expire New MOT due date (3 or 6 month extension) New MOT due date (12 month extension)
March 2020 September 2020 March 2021
April 2020 October 2020 April 2021
May 2020 August 2020 May 2021
June 2020 September 2020 June 2021
July 2020 October 2020 July 2021
August 2020 November 2020 August 2021
September 2020 December 2020 September 2021
October 2020 January 2021 October 2021
November 2020 February 2021 November 2021
December 2020 March 2021 December 2021
January 2021 April 2021 January 2022
February 2021 May 2021 February 2022
March 2021 June 2021 March 2022

Buses and coaches due an MOT before September 2020

If your MOT was originally due between 1 to 23 May 2020, you cannot get a 12 month extension. You need to get an MOT by August 2020.

If your MOT was originally due between 1 and 23 August 2020, you can only get a 3 month extension. You need to get an MOT by November 2020.

What to do if you have not had an extension

Email DVSA if your HGV, bus or trailer did not get an MOT extension and your MOT expired.

You need to include your:

  • name
  • phone number
  • address
  • vehicle registration number (number plate), vehicle identification number or trailer ID
  • test expiry date

Make sure your email has the subject heading ‘Test exemption error’.

test.exemptions@dvsa.gov.uk

If your vehicle tax is due

You still need to tax your vehicle if your tax is due during the MOT extension period.

If you’re transporting dangerous goods

You still need to apply for a waiver to continue transporting dangerous goods if you’re going to do so during the MOT extension period.

Before the test

You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test.

Get testing manuals for different vehicles.

You can also download a guide on how to check the roadworthiness of horseboxes and trailers.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety

Because of coronavirus, you must clean the inside of your vehicle before your test.

This means:

  • tidying unnecessary items from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets and seats
  • wiping down the dashboard, doors and vehicle controls

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if the vehicle is not clean enough.

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Part of Get an annual test (MOT) for a lorry, bus or trailer: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check when your test is due and get reminders

    1. Check when your annual test is due
    2. Get reminders by email or text message

  2. Step 2 Book the test

    1. Find your nearest test centre and book your test

    The cost will vary depending on where you take the test.

    1. Check the fees for heavy goods vehicles or trailers
    2. Check the fees for public service vehicles

    Fill in an application form before you book your test if it's the first time it's been tested and it's:

  3. Step 3 Prepare your vehicle

    1. Check your vehicle’s headlamp aim
    2. Check the brakes if it's a heavy goods vehicle
    3. Check what to do if your vehicle carries dangerous goods

    You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test. They should be using the test standards in the:

  4. and Prepare the documents you need

    1. Check what documents you need to take with you

    You need to bring extra documents if your vehicle is used to carry dangerous goods, or if it's exempt from having a tachograph or speed limiter.

  5. Step 4 Take your vehicle to the test

    1. Find out what happens at the test centre

    At the end of the test, you'll be told if your vehicle has passed or failed.