Your MOT has expired or is about to. Here is exactly what the law says and what you can legally do.
The short answer
No. In the UK it is illegal to drive a vehicle on a public road if its MOT has expired. The only exceptions are narrow and specific.
The one legal exception
You are permitted to drive a vehicle with an expired MOT directly to a pre-booked MOT test, or directly to a garage for repairs needed to pass an MOT. The journey must be direct. You cannot make detours, pick up passengers, or use the vehicle for any other purpose during that journey.
Note that the exemption does not cover driving a car that you know to be dangerous. If your brakes have failed or a tyre is flat, the vehicle should not be moved until it has been repaired.
What are the penalties
Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000. If the vehicle is also found to be unroadworthy, penalties can be higher. Your insurance may also be invalid without a valid MOT, meaning any accident could leave you personally liable for all costs.
When can you renew your MOT
You can book an MOT up to one month before your current MOT expiry date without losing any time on your certificate. For example, if your MOT expires on 30 July, you can have it tested from 1 July and the new certificate will still run from 30 July for 12 months. Booking a month early is the safest habit.
How to check when your MOT expires
The free DVSA MOT check at check-mot.service.gov.uk shows the current expiry date for any UK-registered vehicle.
If your MOT is due or overdue, book online now or call us on 0131 554 3423. Our MOT starts from £50 + VAT.