Some motorists may be under the impression that there is a period of grace regarding renewing a lapsed MOT, but this is sadly not the case. The only exception to this is if you already have a booking for the vehicle to be tested and are driving it to the MOT test centre. An MOT must be renewed before it expires.
The MOT grace period is a misconception that there is a two-week period of time for lapsed MOTs. This is not true – and, if your MOT has expired, it is illegal to be driving your vehicle on the road.
Many drivers still think that getting an MOT is not a major concern. Some are even under the impression that it is fine to do the test a few months past due when it really isn't. There is NO MOT grace period!
Your MOT is valid until midnight on its expiry date. After this point, you will only be permitted to drive your vehicle without an MOT if you can prove that you are driving it to an approved test centre. UK government legislation states that MOT testing is a legal requirement.
Failing an MOT test
An application for a re-test must be made within 21 days of the original test. After 21 days a full test fee will be needed. Re-tests must be completed within 60 days of the original test.
The date it runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
Driving a vehicle that's failed
You can take your vehicle away if: your current MOT certificate is still valid. no 'dangerous' problems were listed in the MOT.
You are only allowed to drive your car when its MOT has expired IF you've booked in for the test and that's where you're driving to. If you're stopped on the way you MUST be able to prove that you have an appointment with an MOT centre.
When you take the test, we recommend you do so earlier than when the licence expires. This will help you if your car fails its MOT. If this happens before the MOT expires, the MOT certificate for your car is still valid.
The last day you can change and rebook your appointment and have the payment you've already made carried over to the new date, is in the table below under 'Cancellation dates'. Your appointment notice from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will tell you the last day you can cancel your appointment.
We know how hectic work and life schedules are and it's easy to forget your MOT due date. However, as we indicated earlier, a late MOT can result in hefty fines, points on your licence and invalidate your insurance. MOT centres don't have to remind you of your next MOT date as that is your responsibility.
So, in most cases your insurance will be invalidated if you drive without an MOT – and that means you'll be breaking the law twice: firstly, by driving without a valid MOT and secondly, for driving without valid insurance.
An average MOT test takes between 45 and 60 minutes, but there are a couple of other things to take into consideration. First, if your vehicle fails the test and repairs are needed this will take longer.
What is the MOT? The abbreviation MOT actually stands for the Ministry of Transport, which was the Government department responsible for the roads when the MOT was first introduced in 1960. When it was first introduced, an MOT test was only required after a car was ten years old.
How long does an MOT take? The MOT test takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Each Kwik Fit MOT test centre is equipped with comfortable seating, free tea and coffee and free wifi so you can make yourself at home and we will carry out your MOT while you wait.
How Much Does a Pre MOT Check Cost? Our new pre MOT check costs £10. You must book it for the same day as an MOT test, and you must book both appointments at the same garage.
The reverse light is not part of the MOT - but always worth checking. All tyres should be above the legal minimum tread of 1.6mm across three quarters of the tyre. There should be no damage - check for bulges, splits, or cuts to the sidewalls. Make sure the tyre size is the same for the rear and front tyres.
What is a class 2 MOT? Class 2 vehicles are motorcycles with engine sizes over 200cc including motorcycles with a sidecar. All Class 2 motorcycles over 3 years old are required by law to have a MOT certificate which must be renewed annually.
If you happen to be abroad when your TAX and MOT expire, you can`t tax your vehicle until you have an mot, and you can`t get an mot until you are back in the uk.
Being caught driving without a valid MOT certificate could result in a police caution, but in some cases it can carry the penalty of massive fines of up to £2,500. Fines can also include points on your licence or a driving disqualification in more severe cases.
in a roadworthy and safe condition and doesn't have a statutory off-road notification (SORN) declaration. your vehicle is properly insured. you can prove (by showing an MOT appointment notification/ reminder, either in electronic or paper form) that a test appointment has been booked for your vehicle.
Make Sure You Don't Get Caught Out. Most MOT garages are honest and arn't out to scam or rip you off. Even if they do MOT repair work and it is therefore in their interest to fail your vehicle most won't resort to criminal behaviour in order to do so.
The three most common reasons for MOT failures are faults with lights, suspension and brakes.