What Happens If You Miss Your MOT? | UK Driving Laws & Fixes (2025)

by
Louis Barnes
April 14, 2025
5 min read
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We’ve all been there—life gets busy, and before you know it, your MOT date has come and gone. But missing your MOT isn't just a minor slip-up—it can lead to fines, driving penalties, and insurance problems. If your MOT has expired, here’s what you need to know, and how to make sure it never happens again.

🚨 Is It Illegal to Drive Without an MOT?

Yes. If your MOT has expired and you’re driving your car on the road, you're breaking the law—unless you're driving it to a pre-booked MOT appointment.

Penalties for driving without an MOT:

  • A fine of up to £1,000
  • Your car could be impounded in serious cases
  • Your insurance may be invalidated
  • You may be flagged by ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras

Even if your car feels fine to drive, not having a valid MOT means you legally can’t use it on public roads.

🔍 How to Check if Your MOT Has Expired

If you're unsure whether your MOT is still valid, you can check instantly online:

  1. Go to gov.uk/check-mot-status
  2. Enter your vehicle registration
  3. You’ll see your MOT expiry date and whether it's passed or failed

🛠 What To Do If You’ve Missed It

Here’s what to do right now if your MOT has expired:

  • Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary. If stopped, there’s no excuse.
  • Book your MOT immediately. You can legally drive to a pre-booked test.
  • Fix any known issues beforehand to avoid failing and being off-road longer.
  • Consider mobile MOT providers if you can’t get to a garage.

🧠 Why Drivers Miss Their MOT

Here are the most common reasons people forget:

  • Bought a second-hand car and weren’t told the date
  • Thought they’d get a DVLA reminder (but didn’t)
  • Misplaced the last MOT certificate
  • Just forgot (it happens!)

Whatever the reason, it’s preventable.

🔔 How to Never Miss an MOT Again

The easiest way to stay on top of your MOT is by setting up automatic reminders. You’ve got two solid options:

1. DVLA/GOV.UK MOT Reminder

  • Free text or email
  • Reminder 1 month before expiry
  • No account needed
    Set it up here

2. AutoChain Smart MOT Reminders

AutoChain does more than just remind you.

  • Get AI-powered alerts for MOT, servicing, and even upcoming advisories
  • Manage your full service history in one place
  • Track multiple vehicles (great for families or fleets)
  • Get connected to trusted local garages and book in-app

✅ Final Word

Missing your MOT is more than an inconvenience—it’s a risk to your wallet, your car, and your ability to drive legally. But with digital MOT reminders, you can make it a thing of the past.

Set one up today, or let AutoChain handle it all for you—MOTs, services, history, and more.

👉 Stay ahead of your MOT with AutoChain – Register for free

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Louis Barnes AutoChain
Louis Barnes
Founder & CEO