Can You Drive Your Car to Mot Without Insurance
Forgot to book your MOT test? Read this before you drive your van.
Let's say you forgot your MOT test was due and by the time you realised, it was too late to get an appointment. You now face a choice between losing out on work, or driving without an MOT for a few days before a test centre can fit you in. When your van is your livelihood, this may seem like a tough call. But driving without an MOT could have a bigger effect on your income than missing a few days of paid work.
- What is an MOT test?
- What happens if you get caught driving without an MOT?
- Is there ever a time I can drive without an MOT?
- Is my car or van insurance valid without an MOT?
- When does my new vehicle need an MOT?
- What do I do if my MOT expires - and where can I book an MOT?
- I've booked my MOT test – what can I expect?
- How much does a van MOT cost?
- What do I need to bring to an MOT?
- What do they check in an MOT?
- How long is an MOT test?
- How can I avoid driving without an MOT in the future?
What is an MOT test?
The Ministry of Transport test, otherwise known as the MOT test, is a comprehensive inspection of a vehicle to make sure it's roadworthy. This includes checking that the vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards. Your vehicle must pass the MOT test in order to be legally driven on the road, and the test must be carried out at an authorised test centre.
What happens if you get caught driving without an MOT?
If you're stopped by the police and asked for a copy of your valid MOT, and you do not have a valid certificate available online, you could be facing some serious consequences. While you may be let off with a warning, you could come away with a hefty fine – the penalty for no MOT can be up to £1,000.
And if your van is seen as 'unroadworthy', things could get a lot worse. You could be fined up to £2,500 if your van is in a dangerous condition and given three points on your driving licence per fault. If you've already got existing points on your licence, one or two damaged tyres and a broken light could lead to a driving ban of up to two years. The result? You might have to cancel planned business activities and turn down future work, which could result in losing clients – both new and existing – who might question your reliability.
Is there ever a time I can drive without an MOT?
The simple answer is, no, it's illegal to drive without an MOT. If your vehicle is more than three years old, you can't drive without an MOT unless you are driving to a pre-booked test at an authorised test centre. If you're hoping to use this as an excuse and you're caught on the way to work, be warned. You'll need proof of your appointment if stopped, otherwise you'll face the same penalties as everyone else.
Is my car or van insurance valid without an MOT?
In most cases, as soon as your MOT expires, your insurance will no longer be valid. So, if you have an accident, your van won't be covered by your insurance provider and you'll have to pay for any repairs yourself – or potentially have your van written off. If the accident was your fault, you'll also have to pay for the damage caused to any other vehicles involved, which could be very expensive. It's also illegal to drive without valid insurance, so if you're caught, you can face an unlimited fine, or even disqualification from driving, plus six to eight penalty points.
When does my new vehicle need an MOT?
Your vehicle needs a valid MOT certificate straight away, unless it's less than three years old. Just got the keys to a second-hand van? The same "driving without an MOT" rules will apply to your drive home, so ask the seller how long is left on the MOT before you buy. Usually, the MOT certificate is carried over from the previous owner. If you decide to buy a van without an MOT, book a test before you collect it, so you can pick it up and drive it straight there. Easy.
What do I do if my MOT expires - and where can I book an MOT?
If your van MOT runs out, you'll need to book another before you can hit the road. You can renew it as early as one calendar month prior to the expiry date of the existing certificate, without affecting your annual expiry date. And if your van fails the MOT, you can only drive it until the expiry date too.
Your van can be tested at a vehicle testing station, indicated by the MOT logo - three interconnected triangles. To find a testing station, check online.
I've booked my MOT test – what can I expect?
That's great – here are the answers to some common MOT questions.
How much does a van MOT cost?
There's a limit to how much you can be charged for your test, depending on the size of your van and what you use it for. But an MOT costs £58.60 or less, depending on the class of your vehicle. How much you'll pay for repairs is relative to what the test finds. But the more you've looked after your van, the less likely something unexpected (and expensive) will be found.
What do I need to bring to an MOT?
Bring your appointment letter, vehicle registration document or log book (V5C) and latest MOT certificate (if you have one).
What do they check in an MOT?
All the important parts of your van will be tested to make sure they meet the legal standard, including the:
- Body structure
- Bonnet
- Brakes
- Doors
- Fuel system
- Exhaust emissions and system
- Horn
- Lights
- Load security
- Mirrors
- Registration plates
- Seat belts and seats
- Steering and suspension
- Tyres and wheels
- Vehicle identification number
- Wipers, washers and windscreen
How long is an MOT test?
MOTs take about an hour, but bear in mind the time you drop your vehicle at the test centre might not be the time the test starts. Check what time your van will be ready when you book, so that you can plan your business activities accordingly. However, if your vehicle fails the test and you agree to have the repairs made, it will likely take longer.
How can I avoid driving without an MOT in the future?
It's much better to arrange your MOT before it expires. That way, you can give yourself time to save for it and won't run the risk of driving without one. Worried about accidentally driving without an MOT? Set a reminder on your phone or sign up for free reminders by text or email.
Can You Drive Your Car to Mot Without Insurance
Source: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/van-insurance/knowledge-centre/running-your-van/driving-without-MOT