The short answer
It is against the law to drive a car on the road without a valid MOT, except when you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test. The simple answer is to book an MOT as soon as possible, drive there only for that appointment, and get any failures repaired so the car is road legal again.
Can I drive it at all?
Without a valid MOT, the only journey you can legally make on a public road is to a pre-arranged MOT test (or to a garage for repairs booked in connection with an MOT). Driving otherwise can mean a fine, and your insurance may not be valid, which is a far bigger risk than the fine.
If the car has been off the road, make sure it is also taxed, or declared off the road with a SORN, before you drive it anywhere other than to a booked test.
The Sensible Order of Things
Book an MOT. Before the test, it is well worth having the car given a pre-MOT check, because a car that has sat unused for months often needs a few things putting right. That way you avoid a failure, a retest and a second trip.
We can carry out a pre-MOT inspection, tell you honestly what needs doing, and handle any repairs so the car passes and you are legal again with the least fuss.
What if it's been a long time?
There is no penalty for a long gap in itself, as long as you have not been driving on the road without an MOT. The focus is simply on getting the car safe and tested again. Bring it to us and we will work through whatever it needs.
Need help with mot preparation?
We can help with exactly this at our Winsford garage. Get in touch for honest advice and a no-obligation quote.