What is the Risk of Driving Without an MOT

The Department for Transport has announced a six-month MOT extension, leading to questions from motorists. So what is the risk of driving without an MOT...

What is the Risk of Driving Without an MOT

Whether driving with an expired certificate or using your car after it fails an MOT, there are some grey areas. Here are some of the common scenarios.

1. Coronavirus extension

Only car owners whose MOT expired on or before the 29th March 2020 need to get a new certificate immediately, but there are some exceptions.

If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, or you’re shielded (i.e. classed as extremely vulnerable to the virus and the government has written to you to tell you this), insurers and the police will not unfairly penalise you.

Certificates expiring on or after 30th March 2020 have been extended by six months. During this time:

• records are be updated for the police to see
• You can tax your vehicle
• your insurance remains valid

However, you could be prosecuted if you do not keep your car in a roadworthy condition.

2. If your car has failed an MOT test

If your car fails its MOT test while a certificate remain valid, as long as no ‘dangerous’ problems are found, you can take your vehicle away. Your car still must still be “roadworthy”.

3. If you missed an MOT test

If you have missed an MOT and your certificate has expired, you are likely to be prosecuted for driving without an MOT.

Car Clinic MOT Centre

Car Clinic MOT Centre car garage Ellesmere Port is currently open for urgent repairs and key workers. We are following all of the hygiene and social distancing guidance from the government and NHS and protecting the health, safety and well-being of our staff and customers. For a free quote for tyres Ellesmere Port, MOT Ellesmere Port or car servicing Ellesmere Port, just give our team a call on 0151 339 0101 or pop in to see us.