How Long Can You Drive After a Failed MOT? Legal Risks Explained

Failing your MOT can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand the rules before continuing to drive your vehicle. Many UK drivers mistakenly believe they have a “grace period” after a failed MOT, but the reality is more complicated. Driving a car that has failed its MOT can carry serious legal risks, especially if it’s deemed unsafe.

In this guide, we’ll explain how long you can drive after a failed MOT, the penalties involved, and the limited situations where driving might still be allowed.

The Law on Driving After a Failed MOT

If your vehicle fails its MOT, you will receive a ‘refusal of MOT test certificate’ (VT30). From this point, the legal position depends on two factors:

1. Whether your existing MOT certificate is still valid
2. Whether the failed MOT identified any ‘dangerous’ defects

If your current MOT certificate hasn’t expired, you may technically still drive your vehicle only if it’s roadworthy. However, if the failure includes a dangerous defect, driving it is illegal regardless of MOT expiry and can lead to prosecution.

Driving With Dangerous Defects

A “dangerous” defect means the vehicle poses an immediate risk to road safety or the environment. Examples include severely worn tyres, faulty brakes, or structural damage. If your MOT tester marks a defect as dangerous:

• You cannot drive the car on public roads (except directly to a repair centre if booked in advance).
• Doing so can result in fines of up to £2,500, 3 penalty points, and even a driving ban.

If Your MOT Has Expired

If your MOT has already expired when you fail the test, the rules are stricter. You may only drive the vehicle to:

• A pre-booked MOT appointment
• A garage for pre-arranged repairs

Driving for any other purpose without a valid MOT is illegal and can lead to fines and penalty points, even if your car appears to be roadworthy.

Insurance Implications

Driving after a failed MOT can also affect your insurance. If your vehicle is involved in an accident while in an unroadworthy condition, your insurer may refuse to pay out. This could leave you personally liable for repairs, medical costs, and third-party claims.

How to Stay Legal After a Failed MOT

To avoid legal trouble:

1. Book repairs immediately after the failed MOT.
2. Arrange retesting as soon as the repairs are completed.
3. Avoid driving unless you are legally permitted (for repairs or testing) and the vehicle is safe.
4. Use recovery services if the car has dangerous defects.

Conclusion

After a failed MOT, how long you can legally drive depends on your current MOT status and the severity of the defects. If your car is dangerous or your MOT has expired, you can only drive to a pre-booked repair or test appointment. Ignoring these rules can lead to hefty fines, points on your licence, or even a ban.

Check your MOT status anytime at checkmot.com to stay road legal.