What DVSA said
In a blog post for MOT testers on 30 October 2026, DVSA MOT Service Manager Grant Thunder wrote that "a valid MOT is not a guarantee of roadworthiness for the year". The MOT checks important parts of a car against legal standards on the day it is tested. Parts can wear, corrode or get damaged at any point after that.
DVSA repeated the message to drivers on 2 November, as reported in the motoring press. Grant Thunder said: "Driving an unroadworthy vehicle puts you and other road users at risk. Don't wait for the next MOT to act on a problem."
What testers found
DVSA shared three examples sent in by garages and MOT testers:
- A badly damaged tyre, with the tread torn away. DVSA advises checking the whole tyre, including the spare, and keeping pressures at the manufacturer's recommended levels.
- A suspension arm on a Ford Ka, so corroded it had almost snapped. Get advice if the car behaves differently over bumps or makes unusual noises, and act on MOT advisories rather than waiting for the next test.
- An object hanging from a van's roof that blocked the driver's view. Keep the windscreen, mirrors and sightlines clear before every journey.
Winter checks to do now
- Tyres. Check tread depth, look for cuts and bulges, and set pressures to the figures in your handbook. See our guides to tyre tread depth and tyre pressure.
- Visibility. Check every light works, keep windows and mirrors clean, and make sure the wipers, washers and demisters clear the screen.
- Fluids. Check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels, and top up screenwash with a winter mix.
- Battery and antifreeze. Ask a garage to test the battery and the antifreeze strength. Cold weather is hard on old batteries.
- Advisories. Look up any advisories from your last MOT and get them fixed. Our guide explains what MOT advisories mean.
Pack a winter emergency kit
Comparison site Go.Compare gives similar advice in its own winter checklist, published on 3 November. It says the Met Office has forecast windier-than-usual weather as the new year approaches, and links the wild weather to what it calls "this year's Super El Niño". Go.Compare's Steve Ramsey said: "Recent storms have shown how quickly driving conditions can change."
As well as checking tyres, lights, wipers, battery and fluids, Go.Compare suggests keeping these in the car over winter:
- a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest
- warm clothes and a blanket
- a torch and a phone charger
- water and snacks
- de-icer and a shovel
- a basic first-aid kit
Go.Compare also says to get the battery tested if the engine is slow to start or the dashboard lights dim, and to check lights weekly. Most of these checks cover parts the MOT tests too: tyres, lights, wipers and washers are among the most common reasons cars fail.
If you are not sure about a problem, DVSA says to ask an experienced garage or mechanic for advice. Go through our MOT checklist for a full list of simple checks you can do yourself.
Why it matters
Driving a car in a dangerous condition is an offence, whatever the date on its MOT certificate. Defective tyres alone can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.
Not sure when your car's next test is? Check it free with our MOT due date checker and set a free MOT reminder.
Questions drivers ask
Does a valid MOT mean my car is safe?
No. DVSA says a valid MOT is not a guarantee of roadworthiness for the year. The test shows the car met the minimum standard on the day it was tested. You are responsible for keeping it roadworthy at all times.
What should I check on my car before winter?
DVSA recommends checking tyre condition and pressures, lights, wipers, washers and demisters, fluid levels, the battery, and antifreeze and screenwash protection.
Can I be fined for an unroadworthy car with a valid MOT?
Yes. Driving a car in a dangerous condition is an offence regardless of its MOT. Each defective tyre can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points.
What should I keep in my car in winter?
Go.Compare suggests a warning triangle, high-visibility vest, warm clothes, a blanket, a torch, a phone charger, water, snacks, de-icer, a shovel and a basic first-aid kit.
Has the MOT test changed?
No. DVSA's winter warning is advice to drivers, not a change to the MOT test or the law.
Sources
- DVSA Matters of Testing blog: MOT horror stories: helping your customers keep vehicles roadworthy (Grant Thunder, 30 October 2026)
- Wheels Within Wales: Inspect your car before winter bites, says DVSA (2 November 2026)
- Go.Compare: El Niño is here: is your car winter-ready? (3 November 2026)
- GOV.UK: Endorsement codes and penalty points
Facts checked against the sources above on 4 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
