An MOT is an essential aspect of road users’ safety as it ensures all vehicles meet the legal minimum standards of roadworthiness. So, the simple answer to whether you can drive without an MOT, is no.
With just a few exceptions, all vehicles on our roads must have a valid MOT. And failure to have an in-date MOT certificate for your vehicle can lead to a hefty fine, points on your licence and even prosecution.
In this guide, we look at why your car’s MOT is so important.
MOT – the basics
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test has been designed to check that all vehicles are roadworthy and pass the minimum safety and environmental standards. An MOT is required on all vehicles that are three years old, or older, and must be completed every 12 months.
A few vehicles are exempt however, but these are confined to vehicles over the age of 40 that have not been substantially modified as well as electric-powered tractors and goods vehicles that were registered before March 1, 2015.
An MOT checks that your vehicle is working as it should and is structurally sound. These checks cover the day that the vehicle had its MOT check, with the onus on the owner to ensure the vehicle remains in good working order until its next MOT.
A vehicle that has passed its MOT will be issued with a certificate, with any minor issues – known as advisories – highlighted for future attention. If your vehicle passes its MOT, it can be driven on the roads for the next 12 months.
It is illegal to drive your vehicle without an MOT
Around 15% of vehicles will fail their MOT. If a vehicle fails its annual MOT test, it is illegal for it to be driven on the road from that point. A failed MOT means your car has been deemed unsafe and so dangerous to be driven. The faults listed on the failure notice will then need to be rectified and an MOT re-test successfully conducted before the vehicle can return to the road.
A vehicle with an expired MOT is also illegal and must not be driven, regardless of whether it previously had a valid MOT certificate.
There are, however, a few exceptions to the rule…
- Your car is less than three years old – you are not required to hold an MOT certificate for your vehicle if it is a new car. However, it will be required to have an annual MOT test on the third anniversary of its registration.
- You are driving to the MOT centre without an MOT – with planning this should not be necessary as you should always book your MOT test in good time for its renewal. However, if you are unable to organise an MOT test before the current certificate expires, you are permitted to drive your vehicle to the test centre for your appointment as long as it is not dangerous to do so. In these circumstances, you can only drive directly to the MOT centre, and should you be stopped by the police, you must show them proof that you have a pre-booked appointment.
- Driving to the garage without an MOT – if your vehicle has failed its MOT and your test centre is unable to complete the necessary repairs, you are permitted to drive the vehicle to an appropriate garage. But this is only if the MOT failure has not been listed as dangerous. And it is illegal for you to drive anywhere other than straight to the garage for the repairs.
Penalties for driving without a valid MOT
Driving a car without an in-date and valid MOT test certificate is illegal and comes with a fine up to £2,500 and three penalty points on your licence. It can also invalidate your car insurance – which is also illegal and has its own penalties and legal implications – and you could also receive a police caution.
If your vehicle is involved in an accident while you are driving without an MOT, the consequences can be severe, and potentially result in a driving ban or criminal prosecution.
Not sure whether a vehicle has a valid MOT?
There are circumstances where you may not know a vehicle’s MOT renewal date or whether it currently holds a valid test certificate. For example, you have lost your car’s existing MOT certificate, or you are looking to buy a second-hand car.
As the legal owner of a vehicle, you are responsible for ensuring it is safe and roadworthy and that includes maintaining a valid and up-to-date MOT certificate.
If you are in any doubt as to whether a vehicle is covered by a valid MOT, there are ways you can quickly and easily check its history. Using its registration number, you can check a vehicle’s MOT status via the Government’s website.
For a more in-depth history of a vehicle – which is especially useful if you are looking to buy a used car or van – MOT history checks such as MOT Reg Check give you extra peace of mind.
