Dug mine out on Monday ready to re-tax for the end of this month. Oops, expired 22nd Sept 2009. A new record for me, I've been out by a month a couple of times, but not much excuse for four. All legal again now, or I wouldn't be mentioning it in public. I'm told MOT records are now linked in via PNC and ANPR cameras and you can get pulled when Police are having a trawl.

the old man left his for 8 months…. surprised he remembers where he lives.

Indeed.
Got pulled on the M6 with no MOT.
New car to me, and just overlooked it.
Chap was nice enough, annoying to hear his machine saying uninsured vehicle every 30 secs at him as it recognised number plates driving past.
£60 no points …
I was allowed to drive away as it does not invalidate insurance

Newest best condition I have ever had so very annoying.
Felt like an easy target.

About another 2 years and the other has about 4 months.