Can you drive without an MOT?
There are only two times the law lets you drive without a valid MOT. Here is exactly when, and when you cannot.
When can you legally drive without an MOT?
Only in two situations: driving to a pre-booked MOT test, or driving to or from a garage for repairs that were booked because the car failed its MOT. In both cases the appointment must already be booked. In every other case, driving without a valid MOT on a public road is an offence.
| Can you drive? | Situation |
|---|---|
| Yes | To a pre-booked MOT test |
| Yes | To or from booked repairs after a failure |
| No | Any other journey without a valid MOT |
| No | If the car is dangerous, even to a test |
Does the car still need to be roadworthy?
Yes. Even when you are allowed to drive to a test, the car must still be roadworthy and taxed, and you must be insured. If the car is in a dangerous condition you must not drive it at all, and should arrange a trailer or recovery instead.
What next
See the penalties for a lapsed MOT and how to check your history.
Sources: Driving without an MOT, gov.uk · Getting an MOT, gov.uk