MOT tests are legal requirements for cars and vans over three years (or four in Northern Ireland). They ensure the vehicle is fit for the road and maintained to a safe standard. Regular maintenance is vital to passing.

However, in some cases, you may fail your MOT or not notice that the certificate has expired, leading you to ask, "Can you drive without your MOT?"  

Whether you want to avoid accidentally driving without an MOT or are worried about driving to your test, we’re here to help. This article covers whether you can drive your car without an MOT, what happens if you fail your test and other MOT-related FAQs. 

Can I drive without an MOT?

The quick answer to this question is no, you can’t drive without an MOT. However, it’s not always that simple. 

For example, you can drive to a pre-booked MOT test at an authorised centre. But you can’t pop down to the shops. 

Driving without a valid MOT - What you need to know

Driving without an MOT is a grey area. 

Here are a few common scenarios to help you understand when you can or can’t drive without an MOT. 

1. You’ve missed an MOT test

If you miss your MOT and have an expired certificate, you will be prosecuted if you’re caught driving. 

Book in for an MOT as soon as possible and keep your car serviced to ensure it’s road-safe. 

Bumper is here to help you split with 0% car repair or service finance. 

2. Your car failed an MOT

Sometimes, cars fail the MOT test even though the current certificate is still in date. 

In this situation, only ‘dangerous’ problems mean you can’t drive the car. You can drive the vehicle home and to repairs if it only has minor issues.

Your car must meet the minimum roadworthiness standards at all times. Your mechanic will inform you if this isn’t the case.

3. You’ve only just purchased the car

Most cars only require an MOT certificate on their third registration anniversary (In Northern Ireland, four years). So, there’s no need to worry about MOTs for the first three years.

However, if you’ve bought a second-hand car, make sure to check its MOT status and plan ahead for the next test as soon as you take ownership. The next test might be sooner than you expect. 

See second-hand car checklist now.

4. Your vehicle is recalled

Faults and vehicle recalls invalidate your current MOT certification. 

Recalls don’t happen without thorough research. If you’re unsure, contact your manufacturer. Otherwise, you should assume the problem is serious and affects the car’s safety.

Still unsure? Let’s take a closer look at the most common FAQs and when it’s fine for your car to have no MOT.

Can I drive my car without MOT if it’s booked in?

Yes, you can drive your car to a booked MOT test if your current certificate isn’t valid. 

However, you should check your insurance before you do so. Some insurers don’t cover driving the vehicle without an MOT, even if it’s just for the next test.

There’s no law on how far you can drive without a certificate. But you should always try to book an MOT nearby to minimise the distance. 

Can you drive your car after a failed MOT?

Driving after a failed MOT depends on whether your current MOT certificate is valid and if any major faults were found.

If your car has ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ issues, you can't drive it until these problems are professionally fixed. 

In such cases, you’ll be given a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate,’ but this won’t be recorded in the MOT database.

Don’t be tempted to drive after a failed MOT. You’ll get three points, a driving ban, and a hefty £2,500 fine.

Can damage cause me to fail my MOT?

Yes, your car can fail an MOT due to damage that wasn’t your fault. 

If you get into an accident, you should contact your insurance company. They will assess your damage and categorise the car into A, B, S or N. Learn more about salvage rules here.

Can vehicle modifications affect my MOT?

It depends. The DVLA uses a point system to determine whether your modifications will require a new registration number. 

If your car keeps the same number, you won’t need to apply for a new MOT. 

Is there a 14-day grace period after an MOT expires?

No, the 14-day grace period is a common misconception! There is no two-week MOT-free period. 

Once your MOT has expired, you are not legally allowed to drive your car from the very next day

Is there a penalty for driving without an MOT?

Yes, as mentioned above, driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine and points on your licence. If your car is deemed to be dangerous, you could even face losing your licence.

What is the fine for driving without an MOT?

The fine for driving without an MOT is £1,000.

The cost goes up to £2,500 if your car has been deemed ‘dangerous’ by a failed MOT test. This fine will come with three points and a driving ban.

Can I report a car without an MOT?

Yes, you can report vehicles being driven without an MOT. 

You should contact your local police and give them the following information:

• Car’s make and model
• Number plate
• Colour
• Location

If found, the police can investigate the certificate and charge the driver up to £1,000.

How do you get caught driving without an MOT?

There’s an MOT database with current information on passes, fails, and out-of-date tests. Anyone can access this information as long as they have your number plate.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and police cars can also flag vehicles without a valid MOT test.

How to navigate MOT costs 

MOT tests and common car repairs can create a big dent in your budget, especially if they’re unexpected. 

If you find yourself with expensive repairs or high MOT costs, you might want to consider Bumper.

With Bumper, you can spread the cost of any repairs at no extra cost. Get started today or find out how it works now.