Car’s MOT is considered a fact of life when it comes to owning a car – alongside regular petrol stops, paying for insurance and getting a flat tyre at the worst possible time. But it`s also often forgotten just how important an MOT is for your vehicle – and what the consequences could be of driving without one.
What is an MOT?
MOT stands for “Ministry of Transport”; the MOT test was created by the Ministry to ascertain and ensure the continued roadworthiness of vehicles on the road. The test is an annual one, and a legal requirement for every vehicle less than 40 years of age; basic, in-depth tests are carried out on a given vehicle, with any failures or `defects` logged in the results.
There are three classifications for a defect: minor, major or dangerous – though MOT testers also note down `advisories`, recommending future repairs where parts or systems may be close to failure. A vehicle fails its MOT if even one major or dangerous defect is discovered. A major defect means the car can only be driven if the previous year`s MOT certificate is still valid, or if you are driving to a pre-arranged appointment to rectify the fault; a dangerous defect means your car cannot be legally driven until it is fixed.
Can You Drive Without an MOT?
There are only three occasions in which you can drive without a valid MOT certificate. Firstly, if your car is MOT-exempt, by virtue of having been built more than 40 years ago or having been “substantially changed” in the last 30 years; secondly, if your car has failed an MOT due to a minor fault, and you are driving it to a pre-arranged appointment in order to get it fixed; and thirdly – and most commonly – before the third anniversary of your car`s registration, after leaving the production line. This is because new cars are less likely to develop faults.
What Happens if You Are Caught Without an MOT?
If you drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, and without a valid reason for exemption, you could put yourself at serious risk – both financially and criminally. If the police catch you driving without an MOT certificate, you could be liable for a £1000 fine, and your vehicle could be impounded. If your vehicle is in a particularly dangerous condition, you could stand to gain 3 points on your license, and potentially even an unlimited fine.
How to Avoid Driving with an Invalid MOT
The simplest way to avoid driving without a valid MOT certificate is to book in an MOT near you, at an accredited centre. MOTs are an annual requirement, though you can book in your next MOT ahead of your current MOT certificate expiring.