If Early MOT Fails, Can I Still Drive Until it Expires?

There are some rare circumstances when you can drive a car that’s failed an MOT.

For example, you are able to have an MOT up to a month before your current MOT is due to expire. If you choose to do this, it is possible that your car may fail the new MOT even though the current MOT certificate is technically still valid.

In this case, you can continue to drive your car, but only if:

None of the faults identified in the new MOT are classed as “dangerous”.
Your car meets the government’s minimum standards for roadworthiness.

Penalties for Driving a Car Which Failed MOT and Deemed ‘Dangerous’

If you are driving a vehicle that has failed an MOT and is deemed to be ‘dangerous’, there are severe penalties and you could get three penalty points on your licence and a fine of up to £2,500.

What To Do If My Car Fails an MOT

If your car fails an MOT, then usually it’ll simply be a case of getting any necessary repairs done before you can drive your car again. Two types of faults need immediate attention – “Major” or “dangerous” faults. Both can result in an MOT failure. If your car has any dangerous faults it is considered to be unroadworthy. You will not be able to drive it again until any necessary repairs are made.

If you do not agree with the MOT result, you can make an appeal. This involves sending a complaint form to the DVSA within 14 working days of your test.

How Long Do I Have to Fix My Car If It Fails Its MOT?

If your car fails its MOT, you may be able to leave it at the MOT test centre for any necessary repairs. So long as the test centre carries out these repairs within 10 working days, they can then carry out partial retest for free. With these repairs in place, your car should pass its MOT, and you’ll then be able to drive it again.

Alternatively, you might want to take your car elsewhere for repairs. As we mentioned above, you can only drive your car elsewhere if your current MOT certificate is still valid, no dangerous defects were found and your car still meets the minimum standard of roadworthiness.

You have until the expiry date of your current MOT certificate to get repairs fixed. You will not be able to drive your car if your certificate expires and you’ve not yet got the necessary repairs fixed and the car retested.

If your car has any dangerous faults, then no ifs, no buts: it will be illegal to drive your car until you’ve got your repairs completed and had another test.

Finally, if your car has any minor faults, it may still pass its MOT, but you should fix any faults as soon as possible. It’s in your best interests to fix any minor faults sooner rather than later, before they have a chance to become more serious – and more expensive – faults.