What if my imported vehicle is not roadworthy yet?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
Keep it off the road and move it by transporter or trailer until it is safe enough for the MOT or approval route.
Official position
GOV.UK allows a narrow road-use exception for pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval tests, but that does not make an unsafe vehicle roadworthy. MOT guidance also makes clear that vehicles without a valid MOT cannot be driven or parked on the road except for limited test or repair journeys.
What to do
Store the vehicle off-road while repairs, conversion and paperwork are handled.
Use transport to a workshop if the vehicle is unsafe or incomplete.
Only book MOT, IVA or MSVA once the vehicle is likely to pass basic safety checks.
Keep receipts and repair evidence if they explain changes to engine, colour, lighting or identity details.
Common mistakes
- Driving to a test with known dangerous defects.
- Using a pre-booked MOT as a workaround for general road movement.
- Submitting the V55/5 before the approval or MOT evidence is ready.
Related help
Official sources
Ready to complete the V55/5?
Once the blocker above is resolved, use the guided V55/5 tool to validate the boxes, prepare the PDF and build the posting checklist.
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