The DVSA will restart heavy vehicle testing from 4 July.

The agency said it has issued three-month exemptions for vehicles due to be tested this month and will issue further exemptions for July tests.

“This will help us manage demand as we resume testing,” it added.

In a statement, the DVSA said: “In August, vehicles which have already received an exemption will need a test.

“All other vehicles due for a test in August will receive a three-month exemption. When those exemptions expire, vehicles will need to be brought in for test.

“We are working with ATFs to resume testing from 4 July and will be increasing the availability of testers over the coming months, in line with social distancing and the latest government guidance.

“ADR inspections will also be available from 4 July. Vehicle operators carrying dangerous goods who do not book an annual test should apply for a waiver, if they want their annual test and ADR inspection expiry dates to occur at the same time.”

It added: “We will not be able to restart testing at some of our sites in Scotland immediately. Further information will be provided to those ATFs.”

The government had come under criticism from trade associations for leaving the industry “in the dark” for a second month in a row over its plans for how HGVs would be tested from July onwards.

The stopping of tests meant that some trucks have been operating for 18 months since their last MOT.

Elizabeth de Jong, the FTA’s director of policy, said it was pleased about the announcement, but added: “However, testing in July will not be at full capacity and DVSA will be providing advice over the next few days to ATFs on how to prioritise MOT test appointments.”

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