What to Do If Your Car Fails Its MOT

November 20, 2024

Dealing with a car that fails its MOT can be a frustrating experience, especially if you rely on your vehicle every day. You’re left wondering, What happens if my car fails its MOT? or What to Do If Your Car Fails Its MOT The uncertainty around what to do next – whether it’s fixing the car, selling it, or considering a new one – can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the options you have if your car fails its MOT, from retesting and repairs to scrapping or selling your vehicle. Whether you decide to fix your car or part ways with it, we’ve got the answers to help you make the best decision.

What Happens If My Vehicle Fails Its MOT?

When your car fails its MOT, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but understanding the process can help you take the next steps confidently. The MOT test checks a range of safety features, emissions, and other aspects of your car’s roadworthiness. If it fails, the first thing you’ll receive is a VT30 certificate, which outlines the reasons for the failure. This document will guide you in deciding what to do next.

Understanding the MOT Defect Categories

MOT failures are classified based on the severity of the issues found during the test. The defects are categorized as dangerous, major, or minor. Here’s what these categories mean:

Defect Category	Description	Action Required	Can I Drive?
Dangerous	These are serious issues that pose an immediate risk to safety, such as brake failure or major suspension damage.	Immediate repair needed.	No, you cannot drive the vehicle.
Major	These are significant issues that could lead to a safety risk but aren’t immediately dangerous.	Repair within 10 days to avoid retest.	Yes, if repairs are underway, but not advised.
Minor	These defects are not serious and typically don’t pose an immediate risk.	Repair soon but not urgent.	Yes, but repairs are recommended.

What Does the VT30 Certificate Tell You?

Once your vehicle fails the MOT, the VT30 certificate provides a breakdown of the failed components. This is critical because it gives you a clear picture of what needs fixing. Keep this certificate safe, as you will need it when you return the vehicle for repairs or retests. The certificate will list the defects by category, allowing you to make informed decisions about how to proceed.

What to Expect After a Failed MOT

When your vehicle fails its MOT, you have a few options depending on the nature of the failure and how urgent the repairs are. Here’s what you can expect after the test:

Repairing Your Vehicle

In most cases, repairing your car is the best option, especially if it is still in good condition. If the issues are minor or major, you’ll need to get them fixed. You have several options for repairs:

At the same garage: Some MOT test centres offer repairs and can fix the car and retest it within 10 working days. If the repairs are done at the same garage, they can provide a partial retest, focusing only on the issues that failed.
At another garage: You can take your car to another mechanic for repairs. If you return it within 1 working day to the original MOT centre, the retest will be free. If it takes longer, you’ll need to pay for a full retest.
Major repairs: If your car needs extensive repairs that are costly, it may make sense to weigh the value of the car against the repair costs. For example, if your car is worth less than the cost of repairs, you may want to consider alternative options like scrapping it or selling it.

Scrapping the Vehicle

If your car has failed its MOT and the cost of repairs is too high, or if the car is no longer worth keeping, scrapping may be the most cost-effective option. Scrapping is ideal for cars that are old, have high repair costs, or have no further use. Many scrap car dealers will buy your car even without an MOT, often providing free collection services. You may be able to get a fair amount for the scrap metal or parts, especially if the car still has valuable components.

Selling the Vehicle

Alternatively, you can sell the car to a salvage yard, especially if it still has some functional parts that could be refurbished or resold. Salvage yards often pay more than scrap yards, as they may try to fix and resell the car or its components. However, selling a car without a valid MOT may limit the number of buyers, so you may need to consider whether it’s worth going this route.

Can I Still Drive My Car With a Failed MOT?

After your car fails the MOT, whether or not you can legally drive it depends on the nature of the failure and the status of your MOT certificate. There are a few scenarios to consider:

If Your MOT Certificate Is Still Valid

If your car fails the MOT, but your current certificate hasn’t expired yet, you can continue driving until the expiry date. This applies as long as the defects are not dangerous. However, keep in mind that you are driving a car with known issues, and continuing to drive it could be dangerous. If you are stopped by the police or involved in an accident, you could face legal consequences.

The 10-Day Grace Period

For cars that fail due to major defects, you generally have a 10-day grace period to drive it to a repair shop for repairs. This allows you to get the car fixed without needing a full retest immediately. During this period, you are allowed to drive the car as long as:

The car is not dangerous.
The car is being driven to a place of repair or testing.

It’s important to make sure that the defect isn’t categorized as dangerous, as you cannot drive a car with such a defect at any time.

If Your MOT Certificate Has Expired

Once your MOT certificate expires, you cannot legally drive your vehicle unless you’re taking it to be repaired or tested. Driving a car with an expired MOT without a valid reason is illegal. If you continue driving the car with an expired MOT, even if the failure wasn’t dangerous, you could face fines or other legal consequences.

Dangerous Defects – What Happens Next?

If your car fails due to a dangerous defect, it’s illegal to drive it, and you must get it repaired before driving it again. Dangerous defects include issues such as brake failure, significant suspension damage, or a broken windscreen that impairs visibility. In this case, your only option is to arrange for immediate repairs, or you may need to have the car towed.

To summarize, while it may be possible to drive a car with a failed MOT, you must be cautious. Always check the nature of the defect and follow the legal guidelines. If in doubt, it’s best to get the car repaired or to avoid driving it until you’re certain it’s safe.

What Is A ‘Dangerous Fail’ On An MOT Test?

When a car fails its MOT, one of the most serious classifications is the ‘dangerous fail.’ This term refers to faults that are so severe that continuing to drive the car poses an immediate risk to the safety of the driver, passengers, or other road users. A vehicle with a dangerous fail is deemed unsafe to drive and must be repaired immediately. If your vehicle is marked with a dangerous fail, you will not be allowed to drive it away from the MOT testing centre unless you are driving it to a garage for repairs, and even then, you should do so with caution.

What Defines a Dangerous Fail?

A dangerous fail is defined by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) as a situation where a car’s defects compromise road safety, the environment, or public health. These issues can include anything that might cause the vehicle to break down unexpectedly or create hazards for other road users. Simply put, if the failure compromises the car’s ability to safely operate, it is classified as a dangerous fail.

A dangerous fail also means that the vehicle does not meet the legal requirements to be on the road. If your vehicle fails with a dangerous defect, the tester will not allow you to drive the car away until the fault is addressed. In some cases, you might be advised to have the car towed or use an alternative form of transport while you arrange for repairs.

Key Characteristics of a Dangerous Fail:

Immediate Risk to Road Safety: The defect must directly impact the ability of the vehicle to drive safely, putting the driver or others at risk.
Critical Components Affected: A failure in critical systems like brakes, suspension, steering, or tyres that could lead to loss of control.
Environmental Concerns: In some cases, defects that cause excessive pollution or damage to the environment may also be classified as dangerous.

Example of Dangerous Defects

Certain issues are more likely to result in a dangerous fail due to their potential impact on safety. Below is a table listing some common dangerous defects that can lead to a fail.

Defect	Description	Risk
Brakes	Loose brake discs, leaking brake fluid.	Loss of braking power, accidents.
Suspension	Broken or severely worn suspension components, damaged shock absorbers.	Loss of vehicle stability, handling issues.
Tyres	Bald tyres, damaged sidewalls, insufficient tread depth.	Reduced grip, loss of control, blowouts.
Windscreen	Large cracks or chips in the driver’s field of vision.	Obstruction of vision, risk of accidents.
Steering	Loose or damaged steering components.	Difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
Fuel Leaks	Leaking fuel from the fuel system.	Fire hazard, explosion risk.
Lighting	Faulty or missing headlights, indicators, brake lights.	Poor visibility, inability to signal to other drivers.
Excessive Exhaust Fumes	Excessive smoke or emissions from the exhaust system.	Pollution, potential engine damage.
Seatbelts and Airbags	Non-functional seatbelts or deactivated airbags.	Increased risk of injury in accidents.

A dangerous fail on an MOT is something to take very seriously. If your vehicle is flagged with a dangerous defect, you should stop driving it immediately and arrange for repairs. Such failures are typically related to vital safety systems in the car, and continuing to drive with these issues is not only illegal but also puts everyone on the road at risk. Always ensure your car is in top condition and undergoes regular maintenance to avoid dangerous MOT failures.

Appealing a Failed MOT Test

If your vehicle fails its MOT and you believe the failure was unjust, you do have the option to appeal the decision. While most failures are valid, there are instances where a mistake may have been made, or where the standards were interpreted incorrectly. If you feel your car should have passed the MOT test, the appeal process allows you to challenge the results and potentially have the decision reviewed.

Can I Appeal a Failed MOT Test?

Yes, you can appeal a failed MOT test if you believe that the result was incorrect. However, there are some important factors to consider before proceeding with an appeal:

Eligibility for Appeal:
- You can only appeal if you feel the MOT failure was unfair. This could be because the test was not conducted properly, or the result doesn’t accurately reflect your vehicle’s condition.
- You cannot appeal simply because your car failed due to a legitimate defect or wear-and-tear issue (e.g., worn-out tyres or faulty brakes).
Timely Action:
- The appeal must be submitted within 14 days of the MOT result. This gives you a limited timeframe to gather evidence and challenge the decision.
- It’s important to act quickly, as this is the only window of time available for an appeal.
Dangerous Defects:
- If your vehicle has been deemed to have a dangerous defect, the appeal process is not recommended, as the vehicle is not safe to drive. Dangerous defects must be fixed before the vehicle can be driven again.
Retesting:
- If you’re appealing because you believe the failure is incorrect, you can still take the car for repairs. However, the original test result stands until the appeal process is resolved, so you must not drive the vehicle if it has dangerous defects.

How Do You Appeal a Failed MOT Test?

To appeal a failed MOT, follow these steps:

Check the Reasons for the Failure:
- Before appealing, carefully review the reasons why your vehicle failed the MOT test. The MOT test certificate (VT30) will detail the specific faults that caused the failure. Identify whether you believe any of these points are incorrect or were misinterpreted.
Discuss with the MOT Test Centre:
- It’s a good idea to start by speaking directly with the garage or MOT test centre where your car was inspected. Ask them to explain their findings and see if there’s any room for clarification or error.
- If the garage is willing to reconsider the result or explain it in more detail, you may be able to resolve the issue without needing to go through a formal appeal process.
Filing the Appeal with the DVSA:
- If you’re not satisfied after discussing the failure with the test centre, you can then submit an appeal to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
- The DVSA will assess your appeal and may decide to arrange for a re-inspection of your vehicle. The appeal must be filed within 14 days of the test result.
Prepare for the Appeal Process:
- Gather all the evidence to support your appeal. This could include photos, receipts for repairs, or expert opinions from a different mechanic that suggest the failure was unwarranted.
- If you have already carried out repairs, ensure you can demonstrate how those fixes addressed the issues identified during the original MOT.
What Happens After You Submit an Appeal?:
- Once you submit the appeal, the DVSA will review the details and will either:
  - Uphold the original result: If they agree with the original MOT tester’s assessment, your appeal will be rejected and you will have to repair the vehicle to pass the MOT.
  - Overturn the failure: If the DVSA agrees that the MOT test was wrongly conducted, they may overturn the failure and allow your car to pass.
  - Order a retest: In some cases, the DVSA may order a retest of your vehicle at a different test centre to confirm the findings.
Outcome of the Appeal:
- If the appeal is successful, you will receive a new MOT certificate and your vehicle will be deemed roadworthy.
- If the appeal is unsuccessful, the original failure stands and you will need to address the issues identified in the MOT test.

Important Points to Remember:

Don’t Delay: The 14-day period to appeal is limited, so make sure you act quickly.
Be Prepared for Costs: If the appeal is unsuccessful, you may still need to pay for repairs and possibly a new MOT retest. If you take your car to a different garage for a retest, there may be additional costs involved.
Safety First: If your car has been deemed to have a dangerous defect, do not drive it. Focus on getting it repaired before appealing or driving it again.

Taking an MOT Retest

If your vehicle fails its MOT test, you may be left wondering about the next steps. One of the most common options is to schedule an MOT retest after you’ve repaired the issues identified during the initial inspection. The retest process is crucial for getting your car back on the road legally, but there are specific guidelines to follow to make sure you get the retest done correctly and efficiently.

How Do MOT Retests Work?

After your car fails its MOT, it’s essential to address the defects listed in the test result (the VT30 certificate). Once repairs are completed, you can take your car for a retest. Here’s how it generally works:

Partial vs. Full Retests:
- Partial Retest: If the repairs are carried out within 10 working days from the original MOT test, you can return to the same testing station for a partial retest. This type of retest only covers the areas of your vehicle that failed the initial MOT, and you won’t need to pay the full MOT test fee again.
- Full Retest: If you wait longer than 10 working days or take the car to a different MOT centre, you will have to pay for a full retest. A full retest will involve checking your vehicle against all the standards again, not just the failed parts.
Retesting at the Same or Different Garage:
- If you had your MOT done at a test centre that also offers repairs, you can usually have your repairs done there and they will carry out the retest. Some garages may offer to carry out repairs and provide a retest at a discounted price.
- You are free to take your car to a different garage for repairs and a retest. However, you will need to ensure that the repairs have been completed properly before the retest.
Cost:
- The cost of the retest depends on how soon you bring your vehicle back after it failed the MOT and whether it’s a partial or full retest. A partial retest is typically free if done within 1 working day, but after 2-10 working days, you may have to pay a reduced fee (often half the cost of the original MOT). If you go for a full retest, you’ll pay the full MOT fee again.

When Can I Take a Retest?

Partial Retest Window: You can take your car for a partial retest within 10 working days from the original test. This is a convenient option if you get the repairs done promptly. The retest will focus only on the areas that failed initially, and if it passes, you’ll receive a new MOT certificate valid for 12 months.
Full Retest: If more than 10 working days have passed or the car is taken to a different garage for repairs, you’ll need to pay for a full retest. This means that your car will be tested against all the MOT standards again, which can incur extra costs and time.

Next Steps After Passing the Retest

Once your car has passed the retest, the process is pretty straightforward:

Receive Your New MOT Certificate:
- After a successful retest, you’ll be issued with a new MOT certificate that is valid for 12 months. The certificate will confirm that your car meets all legal requirements for road safety and environmental standards.
Register the Results:
- The MOT test result is automatically recorded in the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) database, and you can check the history of your MOT results online. If your car passes, the MOT history will be updated accordingly, and the details will be available to potential buyers if you choose to sell the car.
Keep the Certificate Safe:
- Keep the MOT certificate in a safe place. You’ll need it to prove your car is roadworthy, and it may be required for insurance purposes, selling the car, or when taxing your vehicle.
Driving Legally:
- Once your vehicle has passed the MOT retest and you’ve received your new certificate, you are good to drive legally. Ensure that any repairs you made to pass the test are properly maintained moving forward, as MOT inspections only assess the car’s condition on the test date. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your car roadworthy.
Plan Future Maintenance:
- Take the opportunity to assess your car’s long-term condition. If the MOT revealed significant repairs, consider planning for future maintenance to prevent problems from cropping up. Regular check-ups will help avoid another costly failure next year.

Common MOT Failures

MOT tests can sometimes be daunting, but knowing the most common reasons why cars fail can help you prepare and avoid unnecessary surprises. From simple issues like faulty lights to more complex concerns like brake problems, most MOT failures are caused by common, preventable factors. Here, we’ll cover some of the most frequent reasons for MOT test failures and provide practical tips for avoiding them.

What Is the Most Common Failure on an MOT Test?

While a variety of factors can cause a car to fail its MOT, the most common failures typically relate to simple maintenance issues that can be easily overlooked. According to the RAC, the top five most common reasons for MOT failure include:

Lights & Signals (18.9% of failures)
- Faulty lights and signals are the number one cause of MOT failures. This includes issues with headlights, brake lights, and indicators not working properly or being misaligned. Ensuring that all lights are functioning and correctly positioned is a simple and quick check before your MOT test.
Suspension Problems (13% of failures)
- Suspension issues often arise from wear-and-tear, particularly with shock absorbers and springs. Worn suspension components can affect your car’s handling and safety. Regular inspections can help catch suspension problems before they cause a failure.
Brake Problems (10% of failures)
- Brakes are one of the most important safety features on any vehicle. Common brake-related MOT failures involve worn brake pads, discs, or fluid leaks. Ensuring your brakes are in good condition and addressing any unusual sounds or handling issues early can help you avoid brake-related failures.
Tyres (7.7% of failures)
- Tyres with insufficient tread or those that are damaged or over-inflated are a common cause of MOT failure. Regularly checking tyre tread depth and pressure is vital for both safety and ensuring your car passes its MOT.
Driver’s View of the Road (7.2% of failures)
- A damaged windscreen or wipers that don’t function properly can lead to a failed MOT. Ensuring that your windscreen is free from cracks or chips in the driver’s line of sight is crucial, as well as checking the condition of your wipers and ensuring the washer system is working.

These top failures are often preventable with simple, regular checks and routine vehicle maintenance. Now that you know what the most common issues are, here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Tips for Avoiding Common Failures

To ensure your vehicle is ready for its MOT and to avoid unnecessary failure, here are some proactive maintenance tips:

1. Check All Lights and Indicators Regularly

What to do: Before your MOT test, check all exterior lights, including headlights, brake lights, indicator lights, and number plate lights. Make sure that they are not only working but also properly aligned. A quick check of all lights can prevent the majority of MOT failures related to lights and signals.
Pro Tip: Ask a friend to help you check the lights or use a reflective surface like a garage door to check your headlights’ alignment.

2. Inspect Your Suspension and Steering

What to do: Have your car’s suspension and steering components inspected if you notice any signs of wear or unusual noise. Listen for any clunking noises when driving over bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear that might indicate suspension problems.
Pro Tip: If your car is bouncing excessively after going over a bump or if the steering feels unresponsive, it’s time to get your suspension and steering checked out.

3. Maintain Your Brakes

What to do: Have your brake pads, discs, and fluid checked regularly. Pay attention to any warning signs such as squealing brakes, reduced braking power, or a spongy brake pedal. These could indicate worn components or leaks.
Pro Tip: If you notice any changes in your braking performance, schedule a service before your MOT.

4. Check Your Tyres

What to do: Regularly check your tyres for any visible damage, such as cuts, punctures, or bulges. Ensure the tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Also, check that your tyres are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Pro Tip: Use a tread depth gauge to check your tyres, and remember that uneven tyre wear could indicate an issue with your alignment or suspension.

5. Ensure a Clear Driver’s View

What to do: Inspect your windscreen for any chips or cracks, especially in the driver’s line of sight. If you notice any damage, get it repaired before your MOT. Check the condition of your wiper blades and ensure the windscreen washer fluid is topped up.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on your wipers and replace them if they leave streaks or make noise when in use. Clean the windscreen regularly to avoid obstructions that could fail the test.

Common MOT Failures Table

Common MOT Failure	Percentage of Total Failures	Preventive Action
Lights & Signals	18.9%	Regularly check all lights for function and alignment.
Suspension Problems	13%	Inspect suspension parts and listen for unusual noises.
Brake Problems	10%	Check brake pads, discs, and fluid levels regularly.
Tyres	7.7%	Check tyre tread depth and pressure; replace worn tyres.
Driver’s View of the Road	7.2%	Inspect windscreen for chips/cracks and wiper blades for wear.

By performing regular checks and addressing potential issues before your MOT, you can avoid the stress of unexpected failures. The most common MOT failures are often related to simple maintenance tasks, such as checking lights, tyres, and brakes. Following these tips will not only help you pass your MOT with ease but also ensure that your car is safe and reliable on the road.

If your car fails its MOT, there are a few common questions you may have about what happens next. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process.

Does a failed MOT stay on the car’s record?

Yes, a failed MOT test is recorded in the vehicle’s history. When you or a potential buyer checks the MOT history online, it will show both the passes and the fails, including any advisories given by the MOT tester. This history remains on the record for the life of the vehicle and can influence its resale value.

Do garages fail MOTs on purpose?

No, reputable garages do not fail MOTs on purpose. MOT test centres are regulated by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), and the tests are designed to ensure vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. Garages must follow strict guidelines, and failure to do so can result in penalties. If you suspect that your MOT test was unfairly failed, you have the option to appeal the result with the DVSA.

Do speed cameras check your MOT?

While regular speed cameras do not check your MOT status, some types of cameras, like those used for average speed monitoring with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), can flag vehicles that have expired MOTs. This is because these cameras read the registration plates and can identify vehicles that are no longer roadworthy due to an expired or failed MOT. If you’re caught driving a vehicle without a valid MOT, you could face fines or penalties.

Can a vehicle that has failed its MOT be parked on the road?

If your car has failed its MOT, it cannot be legally driven on the road unless it is being driven to a garage for repairs or to an MOT retest (within the legal timeframe). However, a failed MOT does not automatically make the vehicle illegal to park. The main issue is whether the car is roadworthy. If it’s deemed to have dangerous defects, you may be asked to remove it from the road immediately. Otherwise, you can park it in a private driveway or off the road. Just be sure to take necessary action, like registering for a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) if it’s not being used.

Can you drive a car after a failed MOT?

Yes, but only under specific conditions. If your MOT has failed but is still valid (meaning the failure occurred before your certificate expired), you are allowed to drive the car for a short period of time, typically up to 10 days, to get repairs done. However, if the failure is due to dangerous defects, you are not allowed to drive the vehicle at all. If your MOT has expired or the failure is classified as dangerous, you must stop driving the car immediately. Always make sure the car is safe to drive before taking it anywhere.