Do you have a rapidly-approaching MOT (Ministry of Transport) test, but are unsure whether you can (or should!) take advantage of an MOT grace period?
Fortunately, the experienced team of knowledgeable mechanics at ART Garage Crewe have carried out countless MOTs on a wide range of vehicles, so we’re well-versed in all areas of MOT law in the UK.
Simply carry on reading to discover whether there is an MOT expiration grace period and when is the best time to book your next MOT appointment.
Is there a grace period for MOT?
While some may believe that renewing their MOT certificate comes with a grace period in the UK, this is simply not the case. Once your MOT certificate reaches its expiry date (MOTs expire at midnight on the certificate’s expiry date), you must renew your MOT.
If you fail to renew your MOT certificate by this date, then you must not drive the vehicle. There is only one exception to this rule – you can drive a car without an MOT if you’re driving it to a pre-booked MOT test.
Those who mistakenly believe that an MOT grace period exists in the UK and therefore drive their vehicle without a valid MOT could be fined up to £1000.
Alternatively, if the vehicle has been deemed to be in a ‘dangerous’ condition following its MOT test, you could receive a fine of up to £2500, three penalty points, and even a driving ban.
How many days grace for car MOT?
As explained above, there’s no such thing as an MOT expiration grace period, however, this doesn’t mean you have to renew your MOT on the exact date that it expires. Instead, you can still benefit from some flexibility.
While you can choose to schedule your next MOT for the current MOT certificate’s expiry date, you actually have up to a month (minus a day) before the expiry date to schedule your next MOT but still retain the same renewal date.
For example, if your vehicle’s MOT expires on October 15th, the earliest date you can book your next MOT is September 16th if you want to keep the same renewal date.
Booking an earlier MOT test gives you an opportunity to have any necessary work carried out (either by yourself or a trusted garage) before your existing MOT certificate officially runs out.
This means you can legally drive the vehicle to your home or another garage for part replacements or repairs (as long as it’s not in a dangerous condition) before your existing MOT certificate expires.
Contact ART Garage Crewe to book your MOT
Now we’ve dispelled the MOT grace period myth, it’s crucial that you get your vehicle booked in for an MOT appointment prior to the certificate’s expiry date.
If your vehicle’s MOT is due to expire within the next month, don’t wait until it’s too late – contact the team of professionals at ART Garage Crewe today.
Offering both affordable and thorough MOT tests, we combine the friendliness and affordability of your local garage with the exceptional standard of service you can expect from reliable dealership garages.
Following the identification of any urgent repairs, replacements, or other issues, we can help get you back on the road in no time thanks to our high-end diagnostic equipment and wide range of genuine OEM parts specially designed for all kinds of makes and models.
With years of experience testing, maintaining, repairing, and servicing vans, cars, and motorcycles in both Crewe and the surrounding areas, you can rest assured that our team of expert mechanics will be able to help.
To learn more about the MOT services at ART Garage Crewe or to schedule your MOT test, please don’t hesitate to either give our friendly team a call on 0127 021 4445 or reach out using our handy online contact form.
