Can I tax my car without an MOT?

Thursday 30th May 2024

Many vehicles across the UK cannot be taxed without a valid MOT certificate. Unless your car is exempt, a valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement and not only will you not be able to tax your vehicle without one, but you may invalidate your car’s insurance too.

Why do I need an MOT to tax my car?

Unless your vehicle is exempt, it is a legal requirement for cars over three years old to have an annual MOT test to ensure they are roadworthy. If your van or car doesn’t pass the legal requirements for safety, emissions, and roadworthiness, you must get it repaired before it can be driven on the road again.

Is it possible to tax a car without an MOT?

Yes, there are some exceptions. You may not need an MOT to tax your vehicle if:

Your vehicle is less than three years old.

Your vehicle has an MOT exemption.

Do you own a car that’s more than 40 years old and has a classic car tax exemption? Your vehicle needs to be taxed but at no additional cost. Also, you won’t need to take your classic or historic car for an annual MOT test.

Will my car tax be void if my car doesn’t have an MOT?

Having an invalid MOT for your car will make it harder to purchase or renew your vehicle’s car tax. Unless it’s exempt from taking the MOT test and you have a valid vehicle tax exemption, you will be driving an illegal vehicle on the road.

How do I check when my MOT is due?

Our Free MOT Check tool can tell you the MOT status of your vehicle. All you need to do is put your vehicle’s registration number in and it will give you the relevant expiry date and let you know the timeframe available to book your MOT test.

Do I need a valid MOT certificate to renew my insurance?

Ultimately, it’s dependent on your insurance policy. Most insurance policies will be invalidated if you drive without a valid MOT certificate, meaning you’ll be breaking the law. The insurer won’t allow you to claim or renew your insurance if your vehicle’s MOT has expired and you are driving your car or parking it on a public road. However, if your policy does not state that your vehicle must have a current MOT certificate, the insurer will conduct their investigation and decide if they wish to accept your claim.