Mandatory MOTs are to be reintroduced from 1 August, cutting short the six-month test exemption introduced on 30 March in response to the coronavirus lockdown, it has been confirmed today. The Government had put in place an extension to tests for half a year, though warned motorists that they would be responsible for ensuring their cars were roadworthy - else face a fine of up to £1,500. Confirming the news on Monday, Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: 'Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.' Drivers had been granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing to help slow the spread of the virus at the beginning of the pandemic. However, since lockdown has been eased in England, motor industry bodies have called for the MOT extension to be axed to ensure the safety of drivers and to help garages recover from a significant drop in business. At the beginning of May, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Independent Garage Association and Institute of the Motor Industry clubbed together to mount pressure on the government to cull the MOT temporary MOT rules.