All drivers should be aware that their MOT is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. This is why it’s so concerning to learn that many drivers in the UK are missing their MOT deadlines and driving without a valid MOT certificate.
According to data featured by Direct Line Group, almost 25% of all vehicles in the country were late getting their MOT in 2024. To make matters worse, almost 25% of owners who were late in booking their MOT drove for over 100 miles.
The consequences of driving without an MOT are dire – we’ll discuss this in greater detail in a moment. This is why, at CJ Auto Service, we always advocate care and consistency in booking your car in for its MOT promptly at our Warrington MOT centre.
Hopefully, you always book an MOT at the correct time. If not, or if you’re getting a bit close to the wire, here’s why you need to do it sooner than later.
Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?
The short answer? Yes. It is illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate.
An MOT is a compulsory assessment of your vehicle’s safety standards that must be completed at least once every twelve months. If you miss your MOT deadline and continue to drive, you’re committing a crime.
If caught driving without an MOT, you could face several severe penalties depending on the nature of your vehicle and how long you are over your MOT deadline. These can include:
- A £1,000 fine
- A £2,500 fine if the vehicle is considered very dangerous
- A driving ban
- Points on your licence
- Seizure of the vehicle
- Invalidated insurance
- A prison sentence, in more extreme cases
It is even illegal to park your vehicle on the roadside if it does not have a valid MOT certificate, highlighting just how intent the government is in preventing unsuitable vehicles from going anywhere near other road users.
If you think you can get away with driving without an MOT for a long time, think again. Modern camera systems on UK roads have the technology, and the authority, to scan licence plates and report any cars without a valid MOT to the authorities.
Why are MOTs important?
Because there are so many vehicles on the road today, and each of these vehicles differs in age and condition, MOTs are an essential component of road safety, helping to avoid breakdowns and accidents nationwide.
During an MOT, your chosen MOT and service centre will examine your car across all areas which, if failing, present a safety concern. These include:
- Brakes
- Lights
- Steering
- Tyres
- Wipers
- Battery
- Emissions
- and more
If your vehicle is found to be satisfactory in all these areas, you’ll pass your MOT. If not, the car may need some repairs before it is deemed to be roadworthy again.
In more serious cases, a failed MOT could result in a car being scrapped if the vehicle is on the older side and the damage is not worth repairing compared to the value of the car. This is likely why so many people knowingly avoid their MOT.
When are you allowed to drive without an MOT?
There are, however, select instances where driving without an MOT is acceptable.
You’re allowed to get behind the wheel without an MOT if:
- Your car is less than three years old – brand-new cars are always in very good condition, negating the need for an MOT in the early years.
- You’re driving to an MOT test – if your original MOT has expired and you’ve booked your next one, you are allowed to drive solely to and from the centre.
- You’re driving to a garage to fix issues highlighted in your MOT – if your previous MOT flagged issues that need to be resolved, you can use your vehicle to drive somewhere to get them fixed.
In an interesting twist, certain “classic vehicles” are exempt from needing an MOT certificate, though this is becoming rarer and rarer as these vehicles slowly disappear.
So unless you’re planning on buying the Aston Martin from Goldfinger – ejector seat and all – you’ll need an MOT.
Looking for an MOT in Warrington? Speak to CJ Auto for all your motoring needs
If the time for your next MOT is rolling around and you’re wondering where to turn, the team at CJ Auto Service is here to help.
One of the most experienced service centres in Warrington, our technicians have decades of combined experience carrying out car servicing, MOTs, repairs and more on a massive range of vehicles, including commercial vehicles.
So no matter what you’re driving or how long you’ve had it, if you require a Warrington MOT or vehicle repairs at competitive prices, look no further than our Warrington centre.
If you’ve struggled to find reliable MOTs and servicing, Warrington customers need look no further. Speak to a member of the team today!
