Fleets and drivers are being warned of a post-summer rush for MOTs and servicing, potentially bringing a glut in demand.

The peak months for MOTs this year will be September and October, according to BookMyGarage.com data

A Freedom of Information request by BookMyGarage.com has pointed to the lasting impact of Covid-19 on MOT demand and highlights that the effects of the 2020 six-month MOT extension are still echoing through the sector.

The exemption was introduced in light of the pandemic and lasted until 1 August 2020. It’s already seen 2.3 million fewer MOT tests take place in April and May 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels – down 37% – and the FOI data indicates demand will plummet again for the same months this year.

The data shows the long-established distribution of MOTs conducted throughout the year is, for now at least, a thing of the past. Traditionally, March and September would show modest spikes due to the new car registration release dates. Instead, last year revealed a big jump in demand for MOTs conducted between September and December, and 2022 will follow suit.

In particular, the peak months for MOTs this year will be September and October, when MOT numbers last year were 22% higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to BookMyGarage.com data.