Can I Drive With an Expired MOT?

The MOT test is going nowhere. Since it was first created way back in 1960, it’s been a permanent fixture here in Britain. Its role is to test the safety and overall health of a vehicle, aiming to reduce road accidents and keep motorists, cyclists and pedestrians safer.

Although it has a noble aim, it’s an added cost that many motorists don’t want to pay. If you’re a new motorist, planning on getting rid of your car soon, or want to wait until payday to book a test, you may wonder whether you can drive around with an expired MOT certificate.

We’re answering all your questions in this article to ensure you know where you stand.

What happens if I get my MOT done late?

If your vehicle’s MOT has expired, no matter whether it’s a van, motorcycle or car, driving it on public roads is an offence. If you’re caught, you could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

You’re also not allowed to park your vehicle on a public road with an expired MOT. Although you’re less likely to be prosecuted for this, it’s still illegal. Every car on the road (parked or not) must be taxed and tested.

Your car insurance will also likely be invalid. Insurance companies require a valid MOT for coverage to be effective, so you may not be covered in the event of an accident or incident.

Do you get a grace period with an MOT?

No, there is no grace period for an MOT in the UK. Once your MOT has expired, it is illegal to drive your vehicle on the road.

The only exception was a temporary 6-month MOT extension introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which applied to vehicles with an MOT expiring between March 30 and July 31, 2020.

Apart from this temporary and now-expired measure, there is no official grace period.

Although it’s illegal to drive your vehicle without an MOT in the vast majority of cases, there are a handful of exceptions. We’re detailing what these are below.

The exceptions

You won’t fall foul of the law if you meet the following criteria:

• Your vehicle is less than three years old (you can drive around without an MOT until the third anniversary of its registration.)*
• You’re driving your vehicle to a garage for repairs after failing an MOT.
• You’re driving your vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test.

If your MOT has expired, you will need to prove you’re travelling to a pre-booked appointment if you’re pulled over by the police. So, if you plan to drive your vehicle without an MOT to get it fixed, make sure you get confirmation of your booking beforehand.

*Some vehicles require that you get an MOT after one year, rather than three. This includes taxis and ambulances.

Not sure when your MOT is due?

If your vehicle is over three years old, or you’re nearing the one-year anniversary of your previous MOT, you will need to book a test. Not sure when it’s due? Head over to the Gov.UK website to find out the full MOT history of your vehicle and the due date of your next appointment.

Don’t let your MOT lapse. Book your test today

In need of an MOT service in Peterborough? We’ve got you covered here at Vital Vehicle Care, with an all-makes and models service you can count on. Contact us today to book your slot.