Do you get a 14-day grace period with an MOT?
Do you get a 14-day grace period with an MOT?
A common misconception among many drivers is that there is a two-week grace period surrounding your MOT. A 14-day MOT grace period simply doesn't exist. Once your MOT runs out then you cannot drive your car, or even leave it parked up on the road.
How long can I drive without an MOT?
The only time it is permitted to drive on the road without an MOT is to take your car to a test centre to be tested or for necessary repairs.
It is illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate and you could face a fine of up to £1,000 if caught. If the car is classed as 'dangerous' by the tester, you'd be looking at an even bigger fine of £2,500 and three penalty points on your licence.
It's imperative that your car has a valid certificate to ensure that you, your passengers and other road users and pedestrians are always kept as safe as possible.
When does my MOT run out?
Your test certificate is valid for 12 months, so the expiry date is exactly a year since the last test.
You can book a test up to a month minus a day in advance of the expiration to keep the same MOT due date. For example, if the MOT runs out on the 25th June, the earliest you can take it for a new certificate is on 26th May.
To check when your MOT is due, you can visit the government website and enter the registration number.
You can also use the Department of Transport's free service to check your MOT status. All you need in the vehicle's registration number and an email address or phone number. You'll receive an email or a text message reminding you of when it's due.
Free MOT for life
MOT costs may seem like an unwanted bother at a time when the cost of motoring seems to be getting higher. At Chapelhouse, we offer our customers a free MOT test for life. This applies to any make or any model, but the car must have been bought at a Chapelhouse dealership.
You can also qualify for the free MOT test for life scheme by taking out a Chapelhouse service plan. Having your car serviced and MOT tested at the same time is a great idea as it will save you money and time. It also removes the hassle of having to remember when your car's MOT test is due.
