MOT tests are to be extended by six months for cars, vans and motorcycles.

Due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation vehicles due their MOTs from March 30 will be extended, the government has announced.

New rules will continue until confirmed otherwise.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency say this will allow vehicle owners to continue to be able to get to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home or do essential shopping.

However, vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition and drivers can be prosecuted if they drive an unsafe vehicle.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency have published guidance for garages as well as guides for the public today (Wednesday).

Driving tests, Lorry, bus and trailer annual MOTs have also been suspended for three months.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We must ensure those on the frontline of helping the nation combat COVID-19 are able to do so.

"Allowing this temporary exemption from vehicle testing will enable vital services such as deliveries to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people to get essential food and medicine.

"Safety is key, which is why garages will remain open for essential repair work."

The legislation will be introduced on March 30 and will come into immediate effect for 12 months, following a short consultation with key organisations.

Drivers will still need to get their vehicle tested until the new regulations come into place if they need to use it.

If you cannot get an MOT that’s due because you’re in self-isolation, the Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to ensure people are not unfairly penalised for things out of their control.