SORN and Covid-19: what changed, and what applies now
During the pandemic many drivers took cars off the road, and the government introduced temporary MOT measures. Those measures have long ended. Here's a quick history and today's rules.
What happened in 2020
When lockdown began in March 2020, millions of vehicles sat unused. Two things were common:
- MOT exemptions: the government temporarily extended MOT expiry dates by six months for cars, vans and motorcycles due a test between 30 March 2020 and 31 July 2020. That temporary measure ended for tests due from 1 August 2020.
- More SORNs: many owners SORN'd second cars, campervans and business vehicles to save tax and insurance during lockdowns.
What applies now
None of the Covid-era measures apply in 2026. The standard rules are back in full:
- A vehicle must be taxed or declared SORN. Otherwise there's an automatic £80 penalty.
- MOTs are due on the normal anniversary. There are no extensions.
- A SORN vehicle can only be driven to or from a pre-booked MOT, insured (MOT and SORN).
- A SORN has no expiry and can't be backdated (when SORN starts).
Cars SORN'd during the pandemic
If a vehicle was declared SORN in 2020 or 2021 and has been sitting since, the SORN is still valid. You don't need to renew it. But before using it again:
- Recommission it: battery, tyres (check the age, not just the tread), brakes and fluids. See looking after a SORN car.
- Check the MOT. It's almost certainly expired. Book one and drive there only by appointment, insured. A full MOT history check shows the last result and advisories.
- Insure, then tax it. The SORN ends automatically.
Bought a car that was laid up in lockdown?
Expect a gap in the MOT history and possibly low recent mileage. That's normal for the period, but check the car carefully. Long storage causes its own wear: seized brakes, perished tyres and flat batteries. See buying a SORN car.
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