Many people believe that there is a two-week grace period for lapsed MOTs which can allow drivers a leeway period to get their vehicle booked in for their MOT test. Unfortunately, despite popular belief, the 'MOT grace period' is actually a myth.
How long do you have to get an MOT after it expires?
An MOT can be carried out up one month, minus a day, prior to the expiry date of your existing MOT certificate, whilst still preserving the anniversary of the expiry date. For example: If you have your test carried out a month before the due date, your MOT is effectively valid for 13 months.
Can I drive if my MOT is out of date?
An MOT must be renewed before it expires. Once it expires, this means you cannot drive your car on public roads, your vehicle insurance will not be valid, and drivers could be prosecuted.
What happens if my MOT has expired?
If your MOT has expired then you need to get the car booked in for a fresh test and not drive it until the test has been completed. However, you can have a new MOT done up to a month before your old one expires, so you can fit the test around your busy schedule.
What happens if you miss an MOT?
Driving your vehicle on the road without a valid MOT could invalidate your insurance if you were to have an accident. You could also be risking driving an unsafe vehicle. Equally, any car that fails its MOT will now be classified as 'dangerous' until all work is completed and the car is retested.
What happens if you don't MOT your car on time?
The MOT will check a range of car parts, including the tyres, brakes, wipers and lights, and will also check that the vehicle's emissions are within acceptable levels. If you don't have a valid MOT then you are also not legally allowed to park your car on the road.
How long after your MOT expires Can you drive?
The MOT grace period myth is a misconception that there is a two-week grace period for lapsed MOTs. This is not true and, if your MOT has expired, it is illegal to be driving your vehicle on the road.
How long after MOT expires Can I drive?
You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. Example If your MOT runs out on 15 May, the earliest you can get an MOT to keep the same renewal date for next year is 16 April.
What happens if I miss my MOT expiry date?
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.
How long after expired MOT Can you drive?
If your car fails its MOT, you can only drive it if the previous year's MOT is still valid (i.e. the test took place on a date earlier than last year's). MOTs can be done anytime within the 12 month period before the existing MOT expires.Sep 4, 2019