mot...

[silver_fern]

Doh!... just realised my cars MOT is due on the 18th of this month... my usual garage cannot fit me in as it is short notice... does anyone know: now that MOTs are recorded on a central computer system - if I don't get the MOT done on or before the 18th, will I be in trouble? Thanks

[gouldc]

It doesn't work that way over here (yet), but obviously the police have access to this, and unless you can show that you've made an effort to book the car in and you get stopped, then you could be liable for whatever punishment is meted out for no MOT. I think they do issue reminders in Ireland from my limited dealings with them.

At least your insurance remains valid (despite the great urban myth that it render your policy null and void!)

[silver_fern]

Thanks! So if I book the MOT at my regular garage for a date just after the 18th (they're fully booked before then) If I get stopped for any reason, I 'might' be ok??

[tubeway]

No you are only allowed to drive an un-MOT-ed car to an MOT testing station for a prearranged MOT test. Are there no other MOT centres close to where you live?

[silver_fern]

Yes... but I 'trust' my regular garage!... although thinking about it... the MOT test is the same wherever you go... correct?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

and if you had a accident during the time it was not moted,you can bet if your insurance company found out,they would not pay out.

[trevHCS]

If you had an accident the insurance *might* pay up (don't usually worry unless it's a writeoff), but they could also use it as an excuse to try not to. Legally not a good idea. You simply can't drive it un-MOT'd legally even if you've tried to book it in.

As for all MOTs, in theory yes although some garages have a reputation for finding things like broken lights. Problem is a light can blow during the MOT of course, but these days they should be more reliable.

Maybe best taking it to a larger garage as there should be too many people there for them to fiddle it. Far too risky for them.

[BillyBB]

They can't issue a penalty for having no MoT unless your car is on the road. If it is on private land or driveway no crime is committed.
Being recorded by a DVLA van or driving into central London would be trouble tho'

[PortlandBill]

Dont forget that many police cars have ANPR which declares to the cops if there are DVLA discrepancies with your car by comparing your number with the records. Drive around an you may get a friendly pull over from the rozzers. Your risk,m depends how good you are at talking your way out of trouble, how good your driving is, how much tread on your tyre etc. Could be the beginning of a long list if police not had their daily doughnut.

[gouldc]

An insurance company is not allowed to withold payment for not having an MOT, unless it can prove that the lack of an MOT could have contibuted to the accident - ie a testable item had failed that caused the accident, and you could have had it repaired had you known