Can I Skip MOT On My Vehicle? | GVE London – Blog

Vehicle ownership comes with a huge responsibility that extends from the initial purchase to routine maintenance. For several vehicles, one of the key aspects of owning a vehicle is the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test annually. The test ensures that your vehicle meets the required safety standards and regulations. However, numerous drivers often wonder whether it is possible to skip the MOT without incurring any consequences. We will now check out the details of whether skipping the MOT test is an option or not.

What is an MOT?

An MOT test from a luxury MOT centre like GVE London is a legal necessity across the UK for several vehicles, especially the ones over three years old. The test is specifically designed for inspecting the vehicle’s roadworthiness, covering every critical element like the lights, brakes, structural integrity, as well as the exhaust system. You will be legally allowed to drive your vehicle for another year if it passes the MOT test. If failed, the required repairs should be done before you can start driving it. Regular MOT tests can help maintain your safety on the road and minimise any environmental damages by ensuring that your vehicle is emitting permissible amounts of pollutants.

Can I Skip MOT?

It is not recommended to skip the MOT test. Not only is the test required by the law, but it also plays a critical part in maintaining the efficiency and safety of your vehicle. Without this test, you might face serious consequences, that includes:

• Legal Issues: It is unlawful to drive a car without the current MOT examination document. If any driver is arrested by police or involved in an accident driving without an MOT, they are liable to be penalised by pegs, fines, or even having their license withdrawn for some time.
• Insurance Problems: Many insurance policies are rendered ineffective if the car is not roadworthy, which means passing an MOT check. If there is an accident, the insurer may delay paying the damages or may not be able to pay the bills at all.
• Safety Risks: The MOT is supposed to identify any problems that may affect your safety on the roads in the future. Failure to perform this check will mean that one or many times you are on the road, you are driving a car that is a death trap to all the passengers, yourself included.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Although most vehicles need to undergo the test from an authorised MOT centre, some conditions may restrict such a need. The following are the exceptions:

• Brand New Cars: Some cars that have not been driven for more than 1000 miles are also exempt, and vehicles under three years of age do not need MOT. However, if they have not passed the MOT test even after three years of ownership, it is important to ensure that they have undergone the test.
• Classic Cars: If a vehicle is over 40 years old and has not been substantially modified, it is allowed not to pass through the MOT testing. The above rule applies to cars manufactured before the year 1983. However, because of these reasons and others that have been discussed above, it is strongly advised that owners of classic cars should still take their cars through service checks periodically.

If your car falls into one of these categories, an MOT test can be conducted without being a legal offence. It is important to remember that even exempt vehicles should be well maintained to avoid all those problems.

What Happens if You Skip the MOT?

If you overlook scheduling an MOT Test and continue to drive without it, you might encounter serious consequences:

• Fines and Penalties: UK state law often imposes a fine of about £1,000 for driving a vehicle without an MOT test. The fine can increase if the vehicle is found to be in the worst condition.
• Vehicle Seizure: In a couple of instances, the authorities also have the right to seize your vehicle if it is found without an MOT. 
• Inability to Sell or Transfer Ownership: It is important to have an MOT if you plan to sell your car. Buyers are most likely to buy a vehicle with it, or else you might struggle with transferring ownership.

Consequently, it is always recommended to schedule an MOT test before the expiration of your current one to avoid such issues.

Read Also: Car Accident Without An MOT: What Should I Do?

How Can You Make Sure Your Vehicle Passes the MOT?

Preparing for your MOT test is important to ensure that the vehicle passes without any issues. Let’s look at a couple of easy steps that can help you prepare.

• Check Lights and Indicators: Ensure that every exterior light, including the brake lights, headlights, turn signals, and number plate lights, is in working order.
• Examine Tyres: Check the tyres to see whether they meet the legal requirements, especially for their tread depth and overall condition. Bald tyres or ones with inadequate tread depths may cause your vehicle to fail.
• Check Fluid Levels: Check for the right levels of brake fluid, engine oil, and coolant. Lower fluid levels might cause a few specific tests to fail.
• Inspect Brakes and Suspension: Test the suspension systems issues and the brakes to ensure that they are in optimal condition. Faulty brakes might lead to danger on the road.
• Check Exhaust and Emissions: Make sure that your vehicle’s exhaust system is intact and meets emission standards. A fault could lead to greater harm and a failure in the MOT test.

To enhance the chances of passing, it is important to regularly service your supercar and address smaller issues before the MOT test.

Conclusion

It is illegal as well as unsafe to skip an MOT test. Always make sure that your MOT is up-to-date, ensuring that the vehicle is in top-performing condition and complies with the motor laws. Ensure to schedule your MOT at a supercar service centre like GVE London, which can meet the needs of high-end vehicles, especially if you own a supercar. GVE London offers an extensive array of services that can help keep your vehicle in its peak condition, especially if you are looking for supercar wrapping, repairs, detailing, PPF, and more.