In most cases you can't legally drive a car without a valid MOT. There are only two exceptions: driving to an MOT test you have already booked, and driving to or from a garage to have the car repaired. Driving without an MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, and a car with a dangerous fault can't be driven at all.
Here is what the rules say, which cars don't need an MOT, and what happens to your tax and insurance if the MOT runs out.
When you need an MOT
In England, Scotland and Wales, a car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its first registration, then every year after that. In Northern Ireland the first test is due when the car is four years old, and tests are carried out at DVA test centres rather than private garages.
You can have the MOT done up to a month (minus a day) before the current one runs out and keep the same renewal date. That gives you time to fix any faults without the car going off the road. To see when a car's MOT expires, use a free MOT check.
The two exceptions
1. Driving to a booked MOT test
You can drive a car without a current MOT to a test that is already booked. The appointment must exist before you set off: driving around and planning to book later isn't covered. Keep the booking confirmation with you in case the police stop you.
2. Driving to or from a repair
You can drive the car to or from a place where it will be repaired to fix the faults that need putting right for the MOT. Again, the repair should be arranged in advance.
Even then, the car must be roadworthy
These exceptions don't make an unsafe car legal. You are still responsible for the car being roadworthy every time you drive it. If the car has a fault that makes it dangerous, it shouldn't be on the road at all.
What happens if the car fails its MOT
An MOT result can include three kinds of problem:
| Result | What it means | Can you drive it? |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous | A direct and immediate risk to road safety or a serious effect on the environment | No, not until it is repaired |
| Major | A fault that could affect safety, other road users or the environment | Only if the previous MOT is still valid and the car is roadworthy; repair it straight away |
| Minor or advisory | A fault to fix or watch, with no immediate safety effect | Yes, the car passes |
If you fail the MOT before your old certificate expires, the old certificate stays valid until its expiry date. You can drive the car in that time, but only if it doesn't have a dangerous fault and is roadworthy. Driving a car with a dangerous fault can mean a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and 3 penalty points.
If the car fails, you can often have a free or cheaper partial retest if it is repaired and retested within the time limits set by the rules, at the same test centre. Ask the garage how this works before you book repairs elsewhere.
The penalties for driving without an MOT
- A fine of up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT certificate.
- Up to £2,500, a ban and 3 penalty points for driving a car in a dangerous condition.
- Camera detection: police automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras can flag cars without a valid MOT, so you can be stopped even on a short trip.
Tax and insurance without an MOT
You can't tax a car without an MOT
In Great Britain you need a valid MOT to tax a car that needs one. When your tax runs out, you won't be able to renew it until the car has passed. If the car is off the road, you can declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) instead. A SORN car can't be kept or driven on a public road, except to a booked MOT. See what a SORN is for the rules, and check a car's status with a car tax check.
Insurance can be affected
Many insurance policies require the car to have a valid MOT and be roadworthy. If you drive without one and have an accident, your insurer may reduce or refuse a claim, depending on your policy terms. Check your policy wording rather than assuming you are covered.
Cars that don't need an MOT
Some vehicles are exempt, so they can be driven legally without one:
- New cars: until they are three years old (four in Northern Ireland).
- Historic vehicles: most vehicles made or first registered more than 40 years ago don't need an MOT, as long as they haven't been substantially changed. You still have to keep them roadworthy, and you apply for the exemption when you tax the vehicle.
- Some other vehicles: for example certain goods vehicles powered by electricity registered before 1 March 2015, tractors and some specialist vehicles.
The full list is on >GOV.UK: MOT exemptions.
Buying a car with no MOT
Cars with an expired MOT are sometimes sold cheaply as "spares or repairs" or "needs MOT". If you buy one:
- You can't drive it home unless you are driving it to a booked MOT test or repair, and it is roadworthy and insured.
- You can't tax it until it passes, so the safest option is often to have it transported.
- Look at the MOT history first. A car that failed its last test with a long list of major faults can cost more to fix than it is worth. Our guide to checking the MOT history explains what to look for.
An expired MOT can also be a sign the car has been off the road for a reason, so a full history check for write-offs and finance is worth doing before you pay.
How to avoid the problem
- Note your MOT due date and book the test a few weeks ahead.
- Sign up for the free MOT reminder service on GOV.UK by text or email.
- Check simple items before the test: lights, tyres, wipers, washer fluid and warning lights.
- If the car fails, arrange repairs straight away and don't drive it with a dangerous fault.
For the current MOT rules and to book a test, see >GOV.UK: getting an MOT.
FAQs
Can I drive my car home after it fails its MOT?
Only if the old MOT is still valid, the car has no dangerous faults and it is roadworthy, or if you are driving it to a booked repair. With a dangerous fault you can't drive it at all.
Is there a grace period after the MOT expires?
No. The MOT is invalid from the day after it expires. The only exceptions are driving to a booked test or to a repair.
How much is the fine for no MOT?
Up to £1,000. Driving a car in a dangerous condition can mean up to £2,500, a ban and 3 penalty points.
Can I tax a car without an MOT?
No, not in Great Britain if the car needs an MOT. Declare it SORN if it is off the road until it passes.
Does an expired MOT invalidate my insurance?
It can, depending on your policy. Many insurers require a valid MOT and a roadworthy car, so a claim could be reduced or refused.