How long can you drive without an MOT?
What is an MOT?
It is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions. It stands for Ministry of Transport, and the test was introduced to the UK in 1960. It is a legal requirement every year for all cars over three years old.
An MOT test is not the same as having your car serviced and should never be used as a replacement. Your car should undergo regular maintenance in between every test to ensure it is kept in good condition. Unlike a car service, the gearbox, engine, and clutch are not tested, and no parts or fluids will be replaced.
Click here to find out what is checked during an MOT.
How long can I drive without an MOT?
You cannot drive a vehicle for any length of time without an MOT. It is illegal to drive your car without an MOT. You can't even park it on the road, according to government guidelines.
If your car failed a recent test, you are allowed to drive it as long as you're driving to a test centre to have it retested or for necessary repairs to be carried out.
You could face a fine of £1000 if caught on the road in a car without an MOT. If the car was considered 'dangerous' or had major faults when previously tested, the penalty will be even bigger - a £2,500 fine and three points on your driving licence. You may even face a driving ban.
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 are able to 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 5th December, the earliest you can take it for a new certificate is on 6th November.
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 test for life
Another extra cost may seem like an unwanted bother at a time when the cost of driving seems to be getting higher. At Chapelhouse, we offer our customers a free MOT test for life. This applies to any New or Used Car and 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 test is due.
