AFAIK, if the current MOT still valid, you can still technically drive the car until it runs out, though if it has failed a test due to dangerous and major defects this would surely be very unwise. Also bear in mind that the MOT only proves the car was roadworthy at the time it passed. If you are driving the car in full knowledge that it has dangerous faults (i.e, not roadworthy), you can still be done for it should something happen.

If the MOT has run out, you can only drive the car to a garage to have the work done (but if the defects are considered dangerous, even then, maybe getting the car towed or transported would be a better idea).

And just to clarify, I don't know this for sure, just my understanding of it. Bottom line, you shouldn't be driving the car.

Edited by badbusdriver on 28/11/2022 at 08:35

Edited by mcb100 on 28/11/2022 at 09:00

Driving without an MOT is regarded (in law) as an admin type error - there is a fine, but no points.

Driving a vehicle in an unroadworthy condition is regarded as a serious error - fine plus points.

Note that if the car failed an MOT with a dangerous fault, it was also dangerous driving it to the MOT - nothing has really changed, except that the danger has now be pointed out and recorded.

So ... as long as the fault has been fixed, I'd be quite content driving the vehicle. The old MOT is still valid until its expiry date. And even if the old MOT has expired, it isn't regarded in law as a serious issue - as long as the car is now roadworthy.

As of 20 May 2018, the MOT test has included three new defect categories: minor, major and dangerous.

While a minor issue means your car will still pass the MOT assessment, either a major or dangerous fault results in a instant fail.

The latter - and most serious of the three - also automatically records the vehicle as no longer being road legal on the MOT digital database, meaning an owner faces a £2,500 fine if caught driving it without the necessary repair.

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What can I do if my car fails MOT test because of a dangerous fault? | This is Money

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You have already had the right answer,

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When we asked the DVSA to clarify the rule earlier this year, MOT service manager, Neil Barlow, said: 'If a car has failed its MOT with a dangerous fault, DVSA's advice is that it should not be driven until the defect is repaired.

'This is because it's dangerous to both the driver and other road users.'

However, he then confirmed: 'Garages are unable to prevent owners from driving their cars away.

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It will be a matter of record the car is dangerous and as such you will have no defence.