Can You MOT a Car That’s Been Declared SORN?

When a vehicle is declared off the road through a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), it means it cannot be driven or kept on public roads. But what if you want to make the vehicle roadworthy again? Many car owners wonder: Can you MOT a car that’s been declared SORN? The answer is yes—but with certain conditions.

What Does SORN Mean?

SORN is a declaration made to the DVLA that your vehicle is not being driven or parked on public roads. It is typically used when a car is being stored, undergoing repairs, or temporarily not in use. Declaring a car as SORN means you don’t have to pay road tax or insure it (as long as it stays off the road).

Can a SORN Car Be MOT Tested?

Yes, you can book an MOT for a car that’s been declared SORN, but you cannot drive it freely before the test. The law allows you to drive a SORN vehicle only to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs before the test, provided you have valid insurance in place for that journey.

Hot To MOT SORN car, follow these steps:

1. Book an MOT Test – Ensure the appointment is confirmed before driving the vehicle.
2. Arrange Insurance – Even for the single journey to the MOT centre, your vehicle must be insured.
3. Drive Directly to the Test Centre – You are legally allowed to drive on public roads only to and from the MOT appointment.

If the car fails the MOT, you may still drive it to a repair garage, as long as you have booked the repairs in advance.

What Happens After the MOT?

Once your car passes its MOT, you can then tax it again and start using it legally on public roads. If it fails, you’ll need to address the issues, have them repaired, and arrange a retest.

Remember, a valid MOT alone does not allow you to drive; you must also have road tax and insurance in place.

Final Thoughts

So, can you MOT a car that’s been declared SORN? Yes, you can, but only under strict conditions: it must be pre-booked, insured, and driven directly to the test centre. This process ensures that vehicles brought back onto UK roads remain safe and compliant.

To check your vehicle’s MOT history or book your next test, visit Check MOT and keep your car roadworthy.