MOT for cat s repaired car that’s not due MOT

[light knight]

Hi,

I’m looking to buy a cat S repaired car - reg 2023 - which is not due MOT until 2026.

It has been repaired privately by an approved body shop (I saw the invoice and work done list with the seller).

Will I need to get a new MOT before purchasing/driving?

If do get a new MOT, what will happen next year when this MOT expires but the technically an MOT was not required until 2026?

Thanks.

[halo34]

New MOT takes precedent in terms of end date.

Current MOT if current doesnt need to be renewed.

[Limpet]

A Cat S car needs to be registered with the DVLA, and pass an MOT before it can be driven on the roads. This is in contrast to a Cat N which can simply be driven on its existing MOT entitlement, and the DVLA do not need to know.

https://www.car.co.uk/media/blogs/mot/does-a-categ...

As above, a new MOT will then be needed annually. The 2026 date is superseded.

Edited by Limpet on Tuesday 17th September 14:26

[light knight]

Thank you both for your replies - much appreciated

[Nickp82]

Just to clarify, it does not NEED an MOT, as long as MOT is valid the car can be driven on the road. Clearly though, getting one is an advisable thing to do.

[MustangGT]

Nickp82 said:

Just to clarify, it does not NEED an MOT, as long as MOT is valid the car can be driven on the road. Clearly though, getting one is an advisable thing to do.

Partly correct. The DVLA need an independent inspection report to re-register a Cat S. An MoT offers that inspection.

[Panamax]

You can MOT anything, anywhere, any time.

If you don't need an MOT you don't need an MOT, and the fact an MOT test was carried out 12 months ago doesn't change that picture.

What you do need to watch out for is that the separate test of "roadworthyness" never changes. If you get an MOT fail that amounts to your car "not being roadworthy" you need to get it fixed immediately - you can't get away with saying "it didn't need an MOT". If anything, the unnecessary, failed MOT may be unwelcome proof of unroadworthyness.

[119]

Just check on the government mot checker website.

[Nickp82]

MustangGT said:

Partly correct. The DVLA need an independent inspection report to re-register a Cat S.

Nope.

[Mr Tidy]

Your insurer may want to see a post accident MOT before they give cover.

My nephew had a Cat S and kept the car, but his insurer wouldn't continue cover until he produced one of those.

My car became a Cat N last year and I claimed against the insurer of the car that hit me in the rear. When I told my insurer at renewal this year they also wanted to see a post accident MOT.

[light knight]

Thanks everyone for the insightful comments - really helpful.

I wrote to my insurer (so it's on an email incase if disputed) clearly saying that I am thinking to buy a previously accident involved and now repaired category S car.

They came back to me saying to just get a quote from my online account and if it goes through then they don't need anything from myself. I even specifically asked if I need to provide a new MOT and they categorically said they don't need to see a new MOT.

So I went on to get a quote to change the vehicle on my existing policy and - to my surprise - it came back few quids lower than my existing 2010 Diesel Golf (about £500) - (insurance category for golf is 15E and newer car is 18E).

I thought it would be much higher given the newer car is 2023 reg and is a cat S.

Thanks.

[OllyAitch]

From my experience, even if the original MOT is still valid, it’s always a good idea to get a new MOT before buying a car to be sure everything’s in top shape and avoid any surprises. I was lucky to find MB MOTORS in Staffordshire, they helped me understand what needed fixing and provided honest, high-quality service with a clear guarantee. If you’re around their area, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try.

Edited by OllyAitch on Friday 1st August 23:43