Many people wonder whether there is an MOT grace period – in other words, can you drive after your MOT has expired? Contrary to popular belief, there is no grace period when it comes to MOTs in the UK. This means that the expiry date is the expiry date and it is illegal to drive your car on a public road after this date without getting a new MOT certificate.
In this article, we’ll explore the grace period for MOTs in more detail, as well as discussing exactly what happens when your MOT expires.
How Long After Your MOT Expires Can You Drive?
As we’ve already mentioned, there is no legal grace period for MOTs in the UK. This means that the second your MOT expires, it is illegal to drive your vehicle.
There are some people who believe that they can drive their car for up to a week after their MOT has expired, but this isn’t the case. In fact, if you’re caught driving after your MOT has expired, you could end up being fined.
The only time you can drive without an MOT is if you’re taking your car to be repaired or to a pre-booked MOT test. You must have proof that you’ve booked your MOT in order to do this – and it’s worth noting that you can only drive to the garage, not to any other destination.
Do You Get 14 Days Grace For An MOT?
No, contrary to popular belief, you do not get 14 days grace for an MOT. The DVLA does not issue any kind of grace period for MOTs, which means that you need to ensure that your car is tested before the expiry date.
If your MOT expires and you continue to drive your car, you could be fined up to £1,000. In addition to this, your car insurance will no longer be valid, so you could be charged with driving without valid insurance if you are stopped by police.
What Happens If Your MOT Has Expired?
If your MOT has expired, you need to take action as soon as possible. The first thing you should do is book your car in for an MOT test. You will not be able to drive your car until the MOT test has been completed and a new certificate has been issued, so it’s a good idea to ring round different test centres to find one that can fit you in as quickly as possible. This will limit how long you’re left without a car.
It’s important to note that driving without a valid MOT certificate could leave you liable for a fine of up to £1,000, as well as a charge of driving without valid insurance, so it’s essential that you do not drive your car after your MOT expiry date has passed.
How Many Days After MOT Expires Can You Drive?
You cannot drive your car at any time after your MOT expires. The only time you can drive without a valid MOT certificate is if you’re taking your car to be repaired or to a pre-booked MOT test – and even then, you need to have proof that you’ve booked the test.
If you’re caught driving without a valid MOT, you could be fined up to £1,000. In addition to this, your car insurance will no longer be valid, so you could also be charged with driving without valid insurance if stopped by police.
It’s essential that you take action as soon as your MOT expires to avoid being caught driving illegally. The best thing to do is book your car in for an MOT test as soon as possible to get a new certificate.
Is There Any Leeway On MOT?
No, there is no leeway when it comes to MOTs in the UK. The expiry date is the expiry date, and it is illegal to drive your car on a public road after this date.
However, you can choose to MOT your car up to one month early without affecting the annual renewal date of your MOT. Booking your car in for an MOT before the expiry date is a great way to ensure that you are never tempted to drive your car without a valid MOT.
How Long Do You Get To MOT Your Car?
You have three years from the date of first registration to MOT your car. After this, you will need to renew your MOT every year.
If your car is more than three years old, you will need to renew your MOT every year. You can MOT your car up to one month early without affecting the annual renewal date of your MOT.
What Happens If Your MOT Runs Out?
If your MOT runs out, you can no longer drive your car legally on a public road in the UK. You will need to renew your MOT as soon as possible in order to be able to drive again.
It’s important to note that driving without a valid MOT could leave you liable for a fine of up to £1,000, as well as a charge of driving without valid insurance, so it’s essential that you do not drive your car after your MOT expiry date has passed.
The best thing to do is book your car in for an MOT test as soon as possible to get a new certificate. This will limit the amount of time you’re left without a car.
My MOT Expires Today – Can I Drive?
If your MOT expires today, you might be wondering whether it is legal to drive your car. Luckily, driving on the day of MOT expiry is perfectly legal, up until 23:59. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, your MOT will no longer be valid and you will be driving illegally. So, like Cinderella, make sure you’re back home before the clock strikes twelve!
We’d always recommend taking your car for an MOT test before the expiry date to ensure that your new certificate is issued in time. You can take your car for an MOT test up to one month early without affecting the annual renewal date.
When Does My Car’s MOT Run Out?
You can find the expiry date of your MOT on your certificate. The date is usually printed in the format DD/MM/YY.
If you’ve lost your MOT certificate, you can still find out when your MOT expires by using the government’s online service. You will need to enter your car’s registration number, as well as the make and model.
If you’re still not sure, you can always give your local MOT testing station a call to check the date for you.
What Happens If You Drive With An Expired MOT?
If you’re caught driving without a valid MOT, you could be fined up to £1,000. In addition to this, your car insurance will no longer be valid, so you could also be charged with driving without valid insurance if stopped by police.
It’s essential that you take action as soon as your MOT expires to avoid being caught driving illegally. The best thing to do is book your car in for an MOT test as soon as possible to get a new certificate.
In Summary
We hope this article has clarified the MOT grace period for you. Remember, there is no such thing as an MOT grace period, so it’s illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate. If your MOT has expired, take action immediately to book your car in for a test.