Can you drive a car without a valid MoT?

The MoT certificate on my wife’s car expired while we were away. How can I take it for its test when I can’t drive it without a valid certificate?
AN, Taunton

Driving without a valid MoT certificate usually invalidates your insurance, except in a few clearly defined circumstances. You are allowed to drive the car directly to an MoT test station, provided an appointment has been made. (It’s advisable to get written confirmation.)

If the car fails the test, but is still roadworthy, you can drive it straight home and/or a reasonable distance to a booked appointment at a garage. Once the repair work is complete, you can drive the car straight home and/or to a booked appointment to have it retested.

INSPECTOR GADGET
Dave Pollard has written several Haynes manuals and has tested just about every car-related accessory — read more from Dave here.

GOT A PROBLEM?
Email your question to carclinic@sunday-times.co.uk or write to Car Clinic, Driving, The Sunday Times, 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF, with a daytime phone number,
your address and as much detail about your car as possible. We can’t reply in person, so don’t send original documents or SAEs. Advice is given without legal responsibility.