Sell a Car Without an MOT

Can you collect my MOT failure from the garage?

Thanks to our nationwide network of specialist collectors, we can collect from anywhere in the UK. That means we can come to you wherever it is. That could be on your driveway, a car park, the garage where your car failed its MOT or even in a lay-by at the side of the road. Your car will be loaded onto the back of a trailer or transporter, so even if it can’t drive, we can still take it away.

Can I sell my MOT failure if it has multiple issues?

Scrap Car Comparison is the UK’s leading buyer of scrap and salvage vehicles, so whether your car has failed its MOT for one, two or any number of issues, we’ll still be able to get you the very best price for it.

Will you collect my car even if it doesn’t run?

Yes. Our collection agents are specialists, and they can collect a car whether it can be driven on to the trailer or not. Because driving a car with no MOT is illegal, your car will be loaded onto a transporter instead of being driven away. This is included in our free collection service.

Make sure that you are as accurate as possible when explaining to our team so that the collectors know exactly what to prepare for.

Do all cars need an MOT?

Almost all cars on the road require a valid MOT. Exceptions to this rule are vehicles that were built and registered over 40 years old with no ‘substantial changes’ or modifications in the last 30 years. The exemption must be declared on a V112 form, rather than it being applied automatically. Electric cars are not exempt, and must have a valid MOT just like a petrol or diesel vehicle.

Tractors are exempt, as are lorries, buses and trailers, although they do undergo a different test which is similar in principle but has different criteria, called an ‘annual vehicle test’.

Driving a car without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000. If the car failed with a dangerous defect, this can rise to a £2,500 fine, three penalty points on your driver’s licence and a possible driving ban.

What gets tested at an MOT?

The MOT is not a test of the vehicle’s engine, clutch or gearbox, but it does check everything that has an impact on whether the car is safe on the road or not.

Items checked include brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, seats, seatbelts, lights, the battery, electrical wiring and exhaust emissions. 

Can I drive without a valid MOT?

It is illegal to drive, or even park, a vehicle on a public road without an MOT. There are only two exceptions, and they are if you are driving to a pre-arranged MOT test, or driving it to or from somewhere it is being repaired. You cannot drive a car without a valid MOT for the purpose of selling, which is why we collect.

Do I get my road tax back, and should I declare the car SORN?

Yes, you will receive any full months of unused tax back automatically. Tax does not transfer to a new owner, so once you’ve told the DVLA the car is no longer yours, you’ll automatically receive the refund, and your Direct Debit will be cancelled.

Whether you should declare the car as SORN or not depends on the timing. If the car is likely to sit unused for a long time while looking for a buyer, then declaring as SORN will save you money on tax and insurance, and will also remove the requirement for a valid MOT. You should only consider this if you have the means to store the car, as it must be kept off the public road either on a driveway, in a garage or on private land. The fine for an untaxed car on the road can reach up to £1,000.

Is it worth getting a new MOT before I sell?

Getting a fresh MOT depends on the car you are selling and the expected repair costs. If your faults are cheap to fix, like bulbs, tyres or wipers, then it’s worth getting it repaired and tested, as this will increase the value of the car and offers you’ll get from potential buyers. If you know the repair work is likely to be expensive, such as structural rust or major engine defects, then selling it as spares saves you the upfront cost of any repairs and the test itself.