What To Do In The Case Of A Late MOT
Anyone caught driving a vehicle on a public road without a valid MOT can get £100 on-the-spot fine or up to £1000. It could also invalidate your insurance in the event of an accident. A late MOT is not something you can ignore as, contrary to popular belief, there is no grace period for an MOT test.
It’s simple really – driving a car with an expired MOT is illegal and dangerous. If you are pulled over with an invalid MOT, you may face prosecution unless you have proof that you are on your way to an MOT examination. To help motorists understand how MOTs work and what to do with a late MOT, here are some pointers.
Why Is An MOT Test Necessary?
An MOT is an annual check required by law to ensure that your vehicle complies with all the road safety and environmental standards. It’s there to make sure all vehicles are roadworthy to promote general vehicle and road safety. You must book an MOT test every year as soon as your vehicle is older than three years. In some cases, the standard is once a year which applies to taxis, ambulances and people carriers with 13 seats or more.
MOT Renewals
Many drivers book their MOTs early to find out if there are any faults that require repairs. The thing is, if any faults are detected, they cannot use the vehicle regardless of how long the previous MOT certificate is valid for. Faults are recorded on the national database which immediately marks the vehicle as no longer road legal.
You can only renew your MOT one month before the expiry date which essentially gives you a 13-month MOT but you need to make sure all faults are repaired. In the case of a late MOT, you can legally drive your vehicle without an MOT if you are travelling to a pre-booked MOT appointment. For peace of mind, make sure you have proof of that appointment from your local MOT centre.
Must Read: ‘How To Pass Your MOT The First Time’
Regulations And MOT Exceptions
New MOT rules came into play on 20 May 2018 affecting all drivers of cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles. If you don’t know about the new MOT rules, perhaps now is the time to check them out and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
As stated earlier, there is no grace period for a late MOT. You must always have a valid MOT certificate in your vehicle at all times. The only exceptions are as follows:
- tractors
- electric vehicles
- cars newer than three years
- cars or motorbikes made before 1960
Related: ‘MOT Checks: What You Need To Know’
Do You Get MOT Reminders?
We know how hectic work and life schedules are and it’s easy to forget your MOT due date. However, as we indicated earlier, a late MOT can result in hefty fines, points on your licence and invalidate your insurance.
MOT centres don’t have to remind you of your next MOT date as that is your responsibility. Fortunately for all of our customers, Elite Garages have a FREE MOT reminder system. Simply sign up for the Elite Member’s Club and automatically qualify for the reminder. As a member, you’ll also be notified of any special offers on tyres, services, exhausts, brakes or clutch repairs among others.
What To Expect When Booking An MOT
One thing to note, especially if you’re new to MOT, is that it is not a car service. Trained and DVSA-certified examiners perform the MOT test to determine if a car is roadworthy. They will check several parts on the inside, outside and underneath the vehicle with a focus on brakes and emissions.
There is a limit in terms of how much your MOT will cost based on the size of your vehicle and its purpose. The VOSA recommended MOT price is £54.85. You can book your MOT online for between £30-£45 depending on which branch you choose to have your MOT test done.
Once you’ve booked your MOT test, take along your appointment letter, vehicle registration document or logbook (V5C) and your latest MOT certificate, if you have one.
What Is Checked On An MOT Test?
The new MOT test includes checking the steering system, reversing lights and brake discs among others. If they detect a major leak in the steering box, it will result in a failed MOT. Broken or blown reversing lights are also scrutinised while significantly or obviously worn brake discs will result in an automatic fail. Some of the components examiners tests include the following:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Registration plate
- Lights
- Steering and suspension
- Windscreen
- Wipers and washer bottle
- Horn
- Seats and seatbelts
- Fuel systems
- Emissions
- Bodywork
- Doors and mirrors
- Brakes
- Wheels and tyres
Why Choose Elite Garages For Your MOT Test?
MOT centres conducting the test won’t automatically fix your car if needed although some do offer that service. Considering that our vehicle service centres are DVSA-accredited, Elite Garages can conduct an MOT test and book a car service if needed.
Our vehicles services are of dealership quality without paying exorbitant prices. If our examiners detect any additional issues, we will never do any work without your strict permission. We believe in full transparency to give you and your family the peace of mind you deserve. Make the right choice and book your MOT with us today to ensure a safer journey for you and your family.
Where can I go for my MOT?
Elite Garages provide dealership quality services with exceptional value for money and no hidden costs. We offer MOTs, car services, brakes, battery, exhausts and shocks among others. We have several MOT testing centres you can choose from which are listed below:
