Wondering whether you can drive a car without an MOT? The answer is that it is illegal to drive your car without an MOT unless you are driving to an MOT test centre or garage. However, even then your car must not have any serious, dangerous faults – these will be listed on your MOT test certificate.
- Is it illegal to drive around without an MOT?
- If your MOT has expired, it is illegal to drive around without one. There are a few exceptions to this rule (more on this below), but an MOT is a legal obligation for all motorists driving cars older than three years. The MOT test certificate is issued once a year and must be renewed by the date printed on the current MOT certificate.
- Can you drive a second-hand car without an MOT certificate?
- If you’re buying a second-hand car, you should check it’s MOT status and arrange a test, either at the point of sale or one that you can drive to immediately. Cars travelling to a prearranged test can be driven without a valid MOT certificate. The same applies when driving to or from a garage for repairs. MOT due?
- Will driving without a valid MOT invalidate my car insurance?
- In most cases, driving without a valid MOT won’t invalidate your car insurance, even if it is just a temporary car insurance policy. However, it’s worth checking your policy wording to check whether there’s any mention that
- What happens if I don’t pass my Mot?
- Book an MOT test. Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT. You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught. An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.
How long do you get after a failed MOT?
If your vehicle does not pass the MOT test, the examiner will give you a notification of refusal containing details of the faults which will have to be repaired for the re-test. An application for a re-test must be made within 21 days of the original test. After 21 days a full test fee will be needed.
- When should I get an MOT?
- When to get an MOT. The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either: Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old – check the MOT fees table to see which. You can get a free MOT reminder by text message or email a month before your MOT is due.
- How long does it take to get a MOT retest?
- Performing tens of thousands of MOTs every year from our 100-plus-strong network of dedicated MOT testing centres, National Tyres and Autocare are experts in MOT retests. If we perform your repairs within 10 working days or you get your vehicle back to us within one working day, you will get your retest for free.
- What should I do if my Mot runs out?
- If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ – you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired. Book an MOT test. Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT. You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught. An MOT lasts for a year.
What is MOT in the UK?
Once a car is three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) it must be tested each year to check it meets road safety and environmental standards. This Ministry of Transport test is commonly known as an ‘MOT’.
