If your van's MOT has expired, the only time you can legally drive it is to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.
Driving without a valid MOT for any other reason, such as to work or to run errands is illegal, and could land you with a fine of up to £1,000. You could also receive penalty points on your licence, and even a driving ban if your van has a dangerous fault.
What is an MOT test?
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a legally required annual test for vans over 3 years old. It checks things like your vehicle's roadworthiness, safety features, and emission levels.
MOT tests have to be carried out at an authorised test centre. Your van must pass the MOT test to be legally driven on UK roads.
What’s the penalty for driving a van with no MOT?
Driving a van without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in a fine if you’re caught. If your van has failed its MOT due to a dangerous fault and you continue to drive it, the penalties are even more severe. You could be fined up to £2,500, receive 3 points on your driving licence, and even be banned from driving.
Police cameras and ANPR technology can quickly detect vehicles being driven without a valid MOT. If caught, you'll need to provide proof of a pre-booked MOT appointment.
Is there any time I can legally drive without an MOT?
The only exception for driving a van without an MOT is if you’re driving it directly to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. You must be able to provide proof of the appointment if stopped by police.
Driving to work, to the shops or for any other reason without a valid MOT is illegal.
How does having no MOT impact my van insurance?
Most commercial van insurance policies require vans to have a valid MOT before they can be covered. If you have an accident while driving a van with an expired MOT, your insurer may refuse to pay all or part of your claim.
When buying van insurance, always check the policy wording regarding MOTs to make sure you’re protected at all times.
When does a new van need an MOT?
Brand new vans don't require an MOT until 3 years after their registration date. A used van will need to be tested on the anniversary of its last MOT expiry date.
What should I do if my van's MOT has expired?
If your van's MOT has expired, you should book an MOT appointment with an approved local test centre straight away. You can’t legally drive it until it passes an MOT test, except to drive it directly to the testing appointment.
It’s a good idea to have a backup plan for getting home from the appointment, just in case your van needs repairs after failing the test.
Tips to avoid driving a van with an expired MOT:
- Set calendar reminders or sign up for text alerts 1 month before your MOT expires.
- Book your van's next MOT test at least 2-4 weeks in advance, in case repairs are needed.
- Plan ahead to make sure you’re covered for work and other commitments if your MOT is due soon.
- Consider a van MOT insurance product that provides a replacement vehicle if your van is off the road for repairs.
Driving your business van without a valid MOT is never worth the risk. The potential fines, points, and insurance issues can impact your ability to work.
Keep your van legally on the road by setting MOT renewal reminders, and always plan ahead to make sure you’re covered for any potential downtime or repairs.
Do I get a grace period after my van's MOT expires?
No, vehicle owners don’t get an MOT grace period. It’s illegal to drive a van without a valid MOT, even if it expired recently, unless you are driving to a pre-booked test appointment.
What happens if I accidentally drive without an MOT?
Driving a van without a valid MOT is illegal, even if you forget about your MOT renewal or drive it without thinking. If caught, you could face fines up to £1,000 and penalty points.
Can the police tell if my van has no MOT?
Police can quickly check if a van has a valid MOT using ANPR cameras and the vehicle's registration number. If your van's MOT has expired, police may stop and fine you.
Can I tax my van without an MOT?
No, you cannot tax a van without an MOT. When your van passes its MOT, it also needs to be taxed before returning to the road.
