MOT but not allowed to drive

My MOT clashes with my C-section. I don’t have anyone that is able to take it on my behalf and of course there will be a period of time I’m not allowed to drive to get it there myself. Anyone had the same, is there anything that can be done as of course I don’t want to be fined?
Like
Share Mobile
Share
  • Share

Show your support

How long would it be after your section?

My section is on the 7th of March and MOT is due 12th of April. But I’ve read it’s around 6 weeks or so before you can drive

Can you book it in for before your c-section? My MOT is due while I’m away on holiday, I’m just going to get it done a few weeks earlier.

You’re allowed to drive a car that hasn’t got an up to date MOT if you can prove you are on your way to the MOT. If you get pulled over and then show your MOT appointment

Is there anyone else who you trust to drive your car to get its MOT?

Just drive. As long as you feel ok. I had to drive after 3 weeks for the school runs as my partner went back to work

If the garage is near by explain the situation I'm sure they will collect it. Otherwise I would book it early.

Your only fined if you drive it without an mot, if you keep it on a private drive until you drive to your mot test that is fine, you could be fined if it’s left on a public road without an mot

See how you feel and check your insurance as to if you’ll still be insured post c section xx Could you get the MOT done the week before? Xx

Honestly, you’ll likely be fine to drive by then, I’ve had two c-sections and was driving by day 10 both times. Especially as it’s a planned section the recovery is generally easier than an emergency. If not just wait until you can and then like someone above said you can drive to an mot without one x

You can take it before

My MOT certificate from last year says the earliest I can book it in is the 13th of March, not sure how true that is? So that’s only a few days after the c-section and won’t be doable. Annoyingly my partner and most of my family do not drive so it’s frustrating. But I could leave it on a family member’s drive way until I’m able to take it I guess x

From someone who has an MOT tester as a partner: 1. You can book an MOT at any point during the year, it doesnt make a difference if its earlier or later, you must not drive it after the date unless to an MOT testing station. They recommend it to preserve a date thats all. It will automatically change to that date the following year. 2. If you have a private driveway you can keep your car there until you feel ready to drive. If you dont have a driveway you must keep your car MOT'd all the time or you will be liable to a fine from dvla and/or council. 3. Legally you can drive ANYTIME after a c-section as long as your insurance is fine of this and is made aware. But most importantly it is down to when YOU feel ready. There is no clock that says yes or no... you must be able to do an emergency stop and apply ample enough pressure without hurting yourself or being in pain when doing so. Give it a few weeks if you feel ready and try. If not then try again the next week ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU 🩵

Some garages can collect the car and then drop it back after xx

You’re allowed to do MOT after 9 months since the last. You don’t have to wait til it literally expires so I suggest getting it done before

Try today for free
Scan the QR code and join the app
to connect with women at a similar stage in life.
Download Peanut to connect with women at a similar stage in life.

StarStarStarStarStar-Half

Trusted by 5M+ women

Logo
Try today for free
Scan the QR code and join the app
to connect with women at a similar stage in life.
Download Peanut to connect with women at a similar stage in life.

StarStarStarStarStar-Half

Trusted by 5M+ women

Logo

If you book in 2 months early than the expiry date it will then be valid for 12 months from the new date. So if you get it done 1st March it will be in date until 1st of March next year instead of in April x

I drove 2 weeks after my section

But book it for before, tell them you're pregnant

You can take it before

@Chloe if you want to keep the same renewal date then you can only get the MOT done up to 1 month before the renewal, you can get an MOT done at anytime it just brings forward the renewal date to a year from when the MOT is done.

Book it before your c section. It’s the last thing you’ll want to be doing after with a newborn!

Or do one where they collect it

Book it in for as soon as possible, you can book an mot at anytime really, the date on your certificate is only to preserve the date you already have from last year, if you book it in now you’d have a new certificate date

You can book them earlier than the expiry if needed. So just get it done before your section

Do you have a drive? You can declare it sorn as long as it’s not parked on the road, then when you’re ready you can drive straight to the mot centre. My mot is due the end of this month, but I’ve stopped driving now and not due until April, I don’t plan to drive until June. So I’m declaring it as sorn until I’m ready to drive again and the test centre isn’t far from my house

You don't have to wait 6 weeks. I was ready to drive week 2 after my elective c section. After reading all the horror stories I thought I was going to be bed bound for weeks... and had prepared for that, so was pleasantly surprised everything was manageable on paracetamol and ibuprofen, doing everything slowly and carefully. I called my insurers (admiral) and explained. They basically asked if I was taking anything that would affect my driving/ reactions, could I wear a seatbelt comfortably, adjust morrors/seat etc and could I perform an emergency stop if needed. Away I went 🚗👍😂

You can book MOT 28 days before the deadline and still keep the original date.

I’d see if you can book it in the week before. At least it won’t be hanging over you when you’re newly post natal. We always book our about 2 weeks before it’s due incase it needs work

My doctor said I didn't have to wait 6 weeks, just until I felt confident I could do an emergency stop. Alternatively could you use a different garage? The garage we use collects my car early morning and then drops it back in the afternoon

See if the garage will collect and return it - they might charge or they might do it out of kindness once they know the situation

Read more on Peanut
Trending in our community