According to the UK government’s official guidance, it is illegal to tax a car without MOT in public. The MOT test is a mandatory annual inspection that ensures a vehicle meets the required safety and environmental standards.
As an expert from the DVLA explains, “It’s illegal to drive a car on UK roads without a valid MOT, insurance and registration. However, it is possible to drive a vehicle that has expired its MOT test to a pre-booked appointment or to a SORN declaration.”
This means that while you cannot legally tax a vehicle without mot, you can move the vehicle to get it tested or declare it off-road (SORN) without an up-to-date certificate. However, attempting to tax a vehicle without MOT would be against the law.
What is an MOT?
The MOT is the process by which you check that your vehicle meets the legislative safety and environmental standards for roadworthiness in the UK. It is a legal requirement for all vehicles over 3 years old to be tested before they can be driven on public roads and it’s an important part of keeping your car safe to drive.
The test is carried out by a qualified tester who will assess your car’s performance and make sure it meets the required standards. This includes the condition of your headlights, tail lights, and brakes as well as making sure the fuel cap is secured properly to prevent leaks and that the horn works.
It’s not uncommon for vehicles to fail their MOT due to minor issues that aren’t necessarily unsafe but can be improved. For example, visible smoke coming from your exhaust system or excessive noise (boy racers beware!) can see you fail your MOT.
The tester will also check that your tyres are in good condition and your registration plate is clean and visible. If your vehicle does fail its MOT it will receive an advisory notice that tells you about a problem that needs to be fixed but won’t affect your driving right away.
You will still need to take your car for a full retest when the necessary repairs are made.
How to get an MOT?
There are a few ways to get an MOT. One is to simply take your vehicle to a garage that offers MOT tests like G Force Tyre And Exhaust and ask them to perform the test. Another option is to book the test online via DVLA’s website.
This is quick and easy and the system automatically cross-checks your car’s MOT status. You can also get an MOT by taking your car to a post office that accepts tax payments. You will need to have your MOT certificate and the 11-digit reference number from your vehicle’s V5C logbook (or its equivalent).
Alternatively, you can use DVLA’s online service to tax your car. This is the quickest and easiest way to do it, but it does require you to have your vehicle’s MOT certificate and V5C logbook handy.
Regardless of how you go about getting your MOT, it is always important to keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle. Regular checks can help spot problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious – which can save you money in the long run.
Plus, keeping your vehicle in good condition can help it pass its MOT more easily when the time comes. It’s worth keeping in mind that if you tax a car without mot, it is illegal and may invalidate your car insurance.
What to expect from an MOT test
If your car has failed its MOT test, you can only legally drive it on public roads to and from a pre-booked appointment at an MOT garage. If you do take your vehicle out on the road, you will need to declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
Your car will be subject to a number of checks during its MOT test. Its lights will be checked to make sure they are working properly. This includes the headlights, fog lights, indicators and brake lights.
The MOT tester will also check your windscreen and wipers to make sure they are in good condition to allow you to see clearly on the road. The MOT tester will also check your tyres to make sure they have enough tread and that they are not damaged or overinflated.
They will also inspect your suspension components and shock absorbers.
Finally, your MOT tester will check your vehicle’s emissions. This is especially important if you own an electric car, as it will be inspected for harmful exhaust fumes that could be damaging to the environment.
If your vehicle passes its MOT test, you will be able to tax it and use it on the road. If your car fails its MOT test, you will need to either repair the fault or get a retest. If you fail your MOT test more than once, you may be fined up to PS2,500 and get points on your licence.
How to find an MOT garage
The easiest way to get an MOT is to use BookMyGarage, which can find you garages in your area offering a wide range of options. Simply enter your car’s registration number and postcode to see prices and availability for your vehicle, then choose the one that best suits you. You can even book a service alongside your MOT to save money.
If your car fails its MOT, then the garage will explain what faults it has found and how you can fix them in order for it to pass. You can usually have your vehicle retested within 10 working days for free, although there are some exceptions.
There are also mobile mechanics near you that can make the process even simpler by collecting and returning your vehicle for you, or taking it to a local test centre for you. And G Force Tyre And Exhaust is one of them.
They are offering 24/7 mobile services. This can be a great option if you have a large car or need to schedule your MOT appointment at a time that suits your busy lifestyle.
Final Note
It’s important to remember that tax car without MOT is illegal and could invalidate your insurance policy. Regular maintenance is also a good idea, as it can help spot issues before they become major problems that may affect your vehicle’s safety and efficiency.
Enter your reg above to book an MOT, and don’t forget to check your MOT date through our FREE MOT checker. Other than GForce, there is another company offering best tyre repair services on Mobile Location, named Mobile Tyre Surgeons
FAQs
Do I Need to Pay Road Tax if My Car Hasn’t Passed Its Mot?
In the UK, you’re still required to pay road tax even if your car hasn’t passed its MOT. The MOT test checks if your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards, while road tax is a legal requirement for driving on public roads, regardless of MOT status.
Is a Valid Mot Certificate Required for Renewing My Insurance?
In most cases, a valid MOT certificate isn’t required for renewing car insurance. However, insurance providers may ask about the vehicle’s roadworthiness, and having a valid MOT could impact premiums or claims processing. It’s wise to ensure your vehicle meets legal requirements and insurer specifications for coverage renewal.
Can I Tax My Car Without Mot?
In the UK, you can tax your car without MOT certificate, but only if your vehicle is exempt from needing an MOT or if you’ve declared it off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). Otherwise, you need MOT to tax a car legally.