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Driving to the MOT
phoenix70 - 18/2/09 at 09:41 PM

here is a poser for you. My car is 2 and half years old now, so it's MOT is not due until July/August. Can I still drive it to a pre-arrange MOT without tax, even though it technically doesn't need an MOT therefore there is nothing stopping me taxing it?

I've pondering this question for a while, just thought I would ask around.

Cheers

Scott

blakep82 - 18/2/09 at 09:45 PM

yeah, i think so, but why?

Hellfire - 18/2/09 at 09:47 PM

One of the requirements for driving your vehicle on a public highway is that it must be taxed. If it isn't taxed, then it isn't legal.

Phil

blakep82 - 18/2/09 at 09:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
One of the requirements for driving your vehicle on a public highway is that it must be taxed. If it isn't taxed, then it isn't legal.

Phil


true, but you can't get tax without an MOT, so you can drive to a pre arranged MOT without tax, then once you get the MOT you get tax...

but then back to my question, you don't need an MOT for 6 months, so why do you want to get an MOT now? just tax it. unless you're trying to get a free drive without having to get tax...

omega0684 - 18/2/09 at 09:53 PM

my car had no tax and no MOT and i drove it to the MOT station

phoenix70 - 18/2/09 at 09:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by blakep82
yeah, i think so, but why?


To save money, say it fails horribly and is going to take ages to fix. If I tax it to take for an MOT, then I would lose money on the tax.

PS this is just hypothetical anyway, as it will probably be August before I get my car put back together

phoenix70 - 18/2/09 at 09:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
One of the requirements for driving your vehicle on a public highway is that it must be taxed. If it isn't taxed, then it isn't legal.

Phil


But you are allowed to drive an Non taxed car to a pre-arranged MOT or to a garage to carry out MOT repairs

[Edited on 18/2/09 by phoenix70]

phoenix70 - 18/2/09 at 09:57 PM

quote:
Originally posted by omega0684
my car had no tax and no MOT and i drove it to the MOT station


But Did it require an MOT when you took it, that is the point I'm making. IF your car requires an MOT, then you can't Tax, but if your car does not require an MOT, then there is nothing stopping you taxing it. My feeling is that the rule about driving to an MOT without tax is due to the fact you can't get tax due to not having an MOT

BenB - 18/2/09 at 10:19 PM

It's the same kettle of fish for MOT tests between SVA and registration. I think there's no need for one therefore you shouldn't be driving to the test (even if the f'wits @ the DVLA local office say you do need one!!!)....

robinj66 - 18/2/09 at 10:30 PM

You can only drive an untaxed vehicle on the road if it is going to a pre-arranged mandatory test.

Since you are not required to have an MOT, you can't drive without a VEL.

Best advice is get a VEL. If you fail the MOT then cash in your VEL. You will lose around £15 or less.

omega0684 - 19/2/09 at 11:22 AM

quote:

But Did it require an MOT when you took it,


yep it sure did!

DarrenW - 19/2/09 at 12:22 PM

I wouldnt be surprised if the law was constructed such that you are allowed to drive a car without MOT as long as it was pre-arranged appointment etc but started out that regardless of MOT you must be taxed and insured. The driving without tax bit is probs only in case the car has no tax either - and hence a chicken and egg situation. The no tax bit is probs only allowed if there is no other option. In my mind if car is covered by MOT when you take it in (ie you can present the car 1 month before expiry) then they would probs expect it to be taxed (as there is nothing stopping said car from being taxed).

Does any of that make sense? All imho but as im they type that would always get caught id play safe.

Any links to official notice on the subject?