MOT questions

Can I drive without an MOT?

No, with two exceptions: you can drive to an MOT you've already booked, or to a garage for repairs needed to pass. Otherwise you can be fined up to £1,000.

If your MOT has run out

Book a test straight away. You may drive to that booked test, and to a garage for repairs.

If your car failed with a dangerous defect

Don't drive it at all until it's fixed, even if the old MOT hasn't run out yet.

How to avoid it next time

You can test up to a month (minus a day) before your MOT runs out and keep the same renewal date.

Source: gov.uk, checked 17 Oct 2026.