Selling a Van with No MOT: Is It Legal?
If your van has no MOT, you may be wondering whether it’s still possible — or even legal — to sell it. This is a common situation for van owners dealing with MOT failures, long-term downtime, or older vehicles that are no longer economical to repair.
The good news is that selling a van without an MOT is usually legal, but there are important rules and limitations to understand.
Is It Legal to Sell a Van Without an MOT?
Yes, it is legal to sell a van without an MOT. However, the van cannot be driven on public roads unless it is insured and booked for a pre-arranged MOT test.
Most buyers will expect to collect a non-MOT van on a trailer or recovery vehicle, which affects both price and selling options.
How No MOT Affects Van Value
A missing MOT almost always reduces resale value. Buyers will factor in:
- Potential repair costs
- Risk of hidden faults
- Time required to get the van roadworthy
That said, vans without an MOT can still attract interest from traders, mechanics, and buyers looking for parts or repair projects.
Selling Routes for Vans Without an MOT
Your selling options depend on condition and urgency:
- Private sale: Possible, but more difficult and time-consuming
- Trade or online buyers: Often quicker and better suited to non-runners
- Scrap or parts sale: An option if repairs are not viable
If you want a fast, straightforward option, you can sell my van online and see what buyers are currently offering for vans without an MOT.
Should You Fix the Van First?
In some cases, carrying out minor repairs and retesting can improve value. In others, repair costs outweigh any potential gain.
If you’re unsure, comparing offers before committing to repairs can help you decide the most practical route. Our van guidance explains how condition, mileage, and MOT status affect buyer demand.
Final Thoughts
Selling a van with no MOT is legal, but it requires realistic expectations. Understanding your selling options and the impact on value can help you avoid unnecessary expense and make the right decision for your situation.
