Driving a car without an MOT...

[TREMAiNE]

I'm selling a car that has an expired MOT.

If a potential buyer takes the car for a test drive around the block to make sure it is as described, are there repercussions for me as the owner/keeper if he/she were to get pulled? Or is the risk on them, should they choose to test drive the car that doesn't have an MOT?

For the record - the car is mechanically ok and had originally failed on emissions, new exhaust required, so its not like its a death-trap etc.

[hornbaek]

I will be an insurance issue for both driver and owner - so best to avoid. You could “technically” arrange a trip to the place of an MOT and then drive to that place in a straight line. That is the only time where driving a car without MOT is allowed.

[SS2.]

Liability could extend to both the person using the vehicle without a valid MOT and to any person who caused or permitted the use.

The chances of getting caught (or punished), however....

[SS2.]

hornbaek said:

It will be an insurance issue for both driver and owner..

It won't.

[Riley Blue]

hornbaek said:

I will be an insurance issue for both driver and owner - so best to avoid. You could “technically” arrange a trip to the place of an MOT and then drive to that place in a straight line. That is the only time where driving a car without MOT is allowed.

You've been here long enough to learn that nothing of that is true.

[steveo3002]

£100 fine if caught - slim chance

[vaud]

hornbaek said:

I will be an insurance issue for both driver and owner - so best to avoid. You could “technically” arrange a trip to the place of an MOT and then drive to that place in a straight line. That is the only time where driving a car without MOT is allowed.

Sorry that is not true. There is not limit on distance for driving to an MOT, and it does not have to be in a straight line, it just has to be the only destination.

The reality is the police would probably only pull you with no insurance, not for no MOT.

[Ankh87]

If the police catch the car on the road, they will take it. It has no valid MOT and should not be on the road full stop. The only way you could get around it, is if you are driving it to the MOT station for the test which would be up to the officer.

Not MOT means it is not legally allowed on the road so selling a car with no MOT means if they are test driving it on the road and worst case happens it's only your fault. I'm in the same boat as you and I tell people they can gladly drive it up and down my drive but thats it.

[SS2.]

Ankh87 said:

If the police catch the car on the road, they will take it.

They won't.

[TREMAiNE]

Just out of curiosity. if someone is unable to get necessary repairs done within the 10-day grace period after having failed an MOT, what options does the owner then have to have the car repaired?

Presumably, he can either have the car transported to a garage for repair or alternatively book a new MOT and have them conduct said repairs before they carry out the MOT.

Are there no other options?

[Pitre]

Book it in for an MOT at time of test drive. Explain situation to purchaser. Job done.

[No ideas for a name]

Pitre said:

Book it in for an MOT at time of test drive. Explain situation to purchaser. Job done.

Make sure you do either turn up, or let the garage know the plan.
They can't sell your MoT slot twice so could potentially lose out on real business.

[Ryyy]

TREMAiNE said:

Just out of curiosity. if someone is unable to get necessary repairs done within the 10-day grace period after having failed an MOT, what options does the owner then have to have the car repaired?

Presumably, he can either have the car transported to a garage for repair or alternatively book a new MOT and have them conduct said repairs before they carry out the MOT.

Are there no other options?

If your car fails within 28 days of its expiry date you can drive it until it expires, dont leave it till last minute to book it in

[MBVitoria]

Is this the classic "failed MOT but easy fix m8"

[No ideas for a name]

Ryyy said:

If your car fails within 28 days of its expiry date you can drive it until it expires, dont leave it till last minute to book it in

As long as it is roadworthy.
(And obviously within 28 days is taken to mean the 30 days prior to its expiry - not after)

[TREMAiNE]

MBVitoria said:

Is this the classic "failed MOT but easy fix m8"

I've always rolled my eyes at ads like that! If it was that easy then why not just fix and sell.

But now I've found myself in that position, I really don't care about getting rid of the car dirt cheap - well under what it's worth for the sake of a £200 fix, because I simply cannot be bothered and have half a dozen other cars to use.

I just want the driveway space now. If it doesn't sell I'll just give the old girl away!
It deserves better than that - it did me well as a daily for the last year.

[Robertb]

Driving without MOT= fine of up to £1000

I'd also make a call to the insurance co about whether the insurance is valid if the worst happens, not worth the risk.

[SS2.]

So far, we've had:

• no MOT = no insurance;
• no MOT = police will seize your car;
• failed MOT has 10 day grace period;
• can only drive in a straight line to a prearranged test;

Just waiting for 'a failed MOT cancels the current certificate' and I'm calling 'House'.

[Pistom]

Driving a car without an MOT means a kitten will die.

Could you live with yourself knowing that?

[BertBert]

Robertb said:

Driving without MOT= fine of up to £1000

I'd also make a call to the insurance co about whether the insurance is valid if the worst happens, not worth the risk.

Which insurance company?