Everything You Need to Know About Driving a SORN Car to an MOT
31 October 2024 | 
Andy Moody
The world of motoring can be complex, even for experienced drivers. UK laws on road tax, MOTs, and insurance leave little room for error—misunderstandings aren’t a valid excuse. Breaking these rules could invalidate your insurance and result in penalties like points on your licence, fines, or even driving disqualification.
If you’re unsure about SORNs, MOTs, the insurance you need, or how to legally drive your “off-the-road” vehicle to an MOT, this guide covers it all. Temporary car insurance may be just the solution you need.
What is a SORN Car?
A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) lets the DVLA know that you’re taking a vehicle off the road. Here’s what it means:
- No Tax or Insurance Needed: You don’t have to insure or tax the vehicle while it’s on a SORN, but you cannot drive it.
- Storage on Private Land: If the car will be stored on private land, you can declare it SORN. However, if it’s parked on public roads (e.g., in front of your house), it still needs to be taxed and insured.
- Road Tax Refund: You’ll receive a refund for any full months remaining on your road tax once a car is SORN.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to tax a car before it is SORN can result in an £80 fine, reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days. This fine could increase to £1,000 though if unpaid.
Why SORN a Car?
Declaring a vehicle SORN can save you money if you don’t drive the vehicle but wish to keep it. Benefits include:
- Save on Running Costs: Avoid paying for tax, insurance, and MOTs on a car that isn’t used.
- Insurance Refund: You may receive a partial refund if your annual insurance was paid in full. Be aware of potential cancellation fees.
- Easy Reversal: You can remove a SORN by taxing the car again, making it ready for use as long as it has a valid MOT and insurance in place.
Can You MOT a SORN Car?
Yes, it’s wise to keep up with MOTs even for a SORN car, as it ensures the vehicle remains roadworthy. The Benefits of MOTing a SORN car include:
- Preparation: If you plan to drive it again, it’ll be ready to go without delays.
- MOT Best Practice: A valid MOT helps avoid surprises and repair issues later on. Keeping up with MOTs whilst your car is SORN helps you keep on top of issues, cars can become damaged even if they aren’t being driven.
Can You Drive a SORN Car to an MOT Without Tax and Insurance?
Driving a SORN vehicle to a pre-booked MOT is permitted, but it still requires insurance. Here’s what you need to know:
- Insurance is Mandatory: Even if it’s SORN, you must have a valid insurance policy to drive to the MOT.
- Pre-Booked MOT: The MOT appointment must be scheduled in advance.
- Insurance Check: If your previous policy is still active, verify with your provider that it covers driving a SORN vehicle to an MOT. Many policies do not cover vehicles without tax or a valid MOT.
If your existing policy doesn’t provide this, consider temporary car insurance as a legal and flexible solution.
How to Insure a SORN Car to Drive it to an MOT
It’s a legal requirement for any vehicle on the roads to be insured, even if it’s SORN. So, to drive a SORN vehicle to an MOT you must insure it, failing to do so could lead to fines of up to £2,500. Our temporary car insurance options allow you to cover your SORN vehicle for the exact period needed for the MOT, whether you need one-day insurance or one-hour insurance, we have flexible options for you. Here’s how to insure your SORN vehicle to drive it to an MOT:
- Pre-Book Your MOT: Ensure your MOT is booked and be prepared to show evidence when purchasing insurance. Typically you can’t insure a vehicle without a valid MOT and tax, however, if your appointment is pre-booked we are able to insure a SORN car with the sole purpose of travelling to and from an MOT appointment
- Get a Quote in Under Two Minutes: Our quick and easy quoting process makes it easy to insure your SORN vehicle. Provide the details of the vehicle and your licence details and we’ll be able to provide you with a range of quotes, you can be on the way to your MOT appointment in minutes.
Whether you need temporary cover for an MOT appointment or plan to get your car back on the road, our temporary insurance options keep your vehicle legally covered without breaking the bank.
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