Is it legal to drive without an MOT?

If your car or van is old enough to need an MOT and the certificate has expired, you should not be using it on public roads. The two main exceptions are driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment and driving to a garage where repairs are being done after a failed test.

The consequences go beyond a fine, since insurance and vehicle tax are affected as well. This article sets out the rules in plain terms and what to do if you realise the date has slipped by.

Can I drive to my MOT test if it has expired?

Yes, but only if the test is already booked. You may drive the vehicle to the garage for that appointment, and it must be roadworthy for the journey. You will need to be able to show that the booking exists if you are stopped, so keep the confirmation handy.

A casual trip with a vague plan to book later does not count. Nor does using the exception for shopping or errands on the way.

What are the penalties for driving without an MOT?

Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT is an offence and can lead to a fine. If the vehicle is also found to have a dangerous defect, the penalties can be more serious and may include penalty points or a driving ban. The police and cameras can check MOT status automatically against your registration number, so it is easier to be caught than many people expect.

Because the amounts and rules are set by law and can change, check the government website for the latest position rather than relying on an old figure.

Does my insurance cover me without an MOT?

This is where many drivers get caught out. Policies commonly require the vehicle to be roadworthy and legally on the road, and an insurer may refuse to pay a claim if the car has no MOT. Even if you are covered, the insurer may have grounds to take the matter further.

Read your policy wording, or ask your insurer directly. Our advice is not to rely on the policy covering you without a valid certificate.

Can I tax a car without an MOT?

For a vehicle that needs one, you generally cannot renew vehicle tax without a valid MOT, because the system checks the status. If your tax runs out at the same time as the MOT, you need to sort out the test first. Driving an untaxed vehicle is a separate offence.

Vehicles under a certain age are exempt from testing, and some older vehicles may also be exempt. Which category yours falls into depends on its registration date and type, so check the government guidance if you are unsure.

What should I do if my MOT has run out?

Book a test as soon as possible and make your journey direct. If the car is not safe to drive, for example if the brakes feel poor or the steering is loose, do not take it on the road at all. Have it looked at where it stands.

If the car fails, the exception for driving to a repair garage still applies, but a dangerous defect means it should not be driven. Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and you are welcome to ask for a quote or booking for your MOT.