Yes, you can drive your car to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. This is permitted under a specific exemption in UK law, specifically Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. However, this allowance is strictly conditional and designed solely for the purpose of getting the vehicle to the testing center. You cannot use the booked appointment as a blanket excuse to drive the car for other purposes, like daily errands or commuting, while the MOT has expired.
The key condition is that you must be driving to the test station for your appointment. Some discretion exists for driving to a garage for necessary repairs required to pass the MOT beforehand, but the direct journey to the test is the primary legal allowance. It is your responsibility to prove the appointment exists if stopped by the police, so always have your booking confirmation readily available, whether digital or printed.
Failing to adhere to these strict conditions can result in severe penalties. Driving without a valid MOT invalidates your car insurance, meaning you would be personally liable for the costs of any accident. You also face a fixed penalty fine of £100, which can increase to £1,000 if the case goes to court, and your car could be impounded.
| Condition for Legal Driving | Requirement | Consequence of Violation |
|---|
| Journey Purpose | Directly to the MOT test center or to a garage for pre-MOT repairs. | Fines, points on license, insurance invalidation. |
| Proof of Booking | Confirmation email, text, or paperwork showing the appointment date/time. | Inability to prove exemption to police, leading to penalties. |
| Current MOT Status | Applies only when driving with an expired MOT certificate. | N/A |
| Vehicle Roadworthiness | The car must be in a generally roadworthy condition (e.g., safe tires, working lights). | Can be prosecuted for driving a dangerous vehicle separately from the MOT offence. |
| Insurance Validity | Your insurance remains valid only for this specific, legal journey. | Driving without valid insurance is a serious offence with heavy fines and disqualification. |
To ensure a smooth process, book your MOT well before the current certificate expires. This provides a buffer for any necessary repairs without the stress or legal risk of driving with an expired MOT.
