Failed MOT? Here's What To Do Next

What Happens When Your Car Fails Its MOT?

Receiving a refusal of an MOT test certificate, commonly known as failing your MOT, can be a stressful experience for any car owner. It means your vehicle, at the current time, does not meet the minimum requirements for road safety and environmental standards. However, it's crucial to understand that a failure doesn't mean your car is instantly undriveable. In fact, you can usually drive your car away from the test centre, provided it hasn't been deemed 'dangerous'. If it has been classified as dangerous, you must not drive it under any circumstances, as this could lead to immediate prosecution and a hefty fine. The test centre will advise you on this classification.

The MOT test is a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old in the UK. Its purpose is to ensure that cars on our roads are safe, roadworthy, and compliant with environmental regulations. When your car fails, you'll be given a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' (VT30) document. This document details all the reasons for the failure, categorising the issues into 'dangerous' or 'minor' defects. Understanding these categories is key to knowing your next steps.

Understanding the MOT Failure Categories

The VT30 certificate is your roadmap to rectifying the problems. It's divided into two main sections:

• Dangerous Defects: These are issues that pose an immediate and direct risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. If your car has any dangerous defects, it must not be driven on public roads until the necessary repairs are completed. Driving a vehicle with dangerous defects can result in severe penalties.
• Minor Defects: These are issues that don't pose an immediate risk but should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming more serious. While your car can still be driven with minor defects, it's essential to address them promptly. You'll need to have these rectified before your next MOT test, or when advised by the tester.

It's also worth noting that some defects might be listed as 'advisories'. These are not failures but are points that the tester has identified as needing attention in the near future. It's good practice to keep an eye on these and plan for their eventual repair.

What to Do Immediately After Failing Your MOT

The first and most important step is to carefully review the VT30 certificate. Make sure you understand exactly what caused the failure. Don't hesitate to ask the MOT centre for clarification if anything is unclear. Once you have a clear picture of the required repairs, you have a few options:

Option 1: Get the Repairs Done at the Same Test Centre

Many MOT centres offer repair services. If the failure is due to a minor issue or something they can fix immediately, you might be able to have the repairs carried out on the same day. If the repairs are completed within one working day of the original test, your car will only need a partial re-test, focusing only on the items that failed. This can often be a quicker and more convenient solution.

Key Benefit: Reduced re-test costs and a potentially faster turnaround.

Option 2: Get the Repairs Done Elsewhere

You are not obliged to have your car repaired at the same centre where it failed its MOT. You can choose any garage or mechanic you trust to carry out the necessary work. Once the repairs are completed, you will need to present your vehicle for a re-test.

Important Note on Re-tests: If you take your car away for repairs and bring it back to the same test centre within 10 working days of the original test, you are entitled to a free partial re-test. This re-test will only cover the items that failed. If you miss this 10-day window, or if you take your car to a different test centre, you will have to pay for a full MOT test again.

Key Benefit: Freedom to choose your preferred garage, potentially finding better prices or more convenient locations.

Driving Your Car After Failing

As mentioned, you can usually drive your car if it hasn't been classified as 'dangerous'. However, it's imperative to get the necessary repairs done as soon as possible. You are legally required to have a valid MOT certificate. If you are stopped by the police and your MOT has expired, or if your car is found to have dangerous defects, you could face penalties. It's always best to book your car in for repairs promptly.

Common Reasons for MOT Failure

Understanding common failure points can help you be more proactive in your car's maintenance. Here are some of the most frequent reasons why vehicles fail their MOT:

Tips for Avoiding an MOT Failure

Proactive maintenance is the best defence against MOT failures. Regular servicing and checks can help identify and rectify potential problems before they become serious enough to cause a failure. Consider the following:

• Regular Servicing: Follow your manufacturer's recommended service schedule. A good mechanic will often spot potential MOT issues during a routine service.
• Tyre Checks: Regularly check your tyre tread depth and look for any signs of damage. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth.
• Light Checks: Periodically walk around your car and check that all lights are working correctly. Ensure headlights are aimed correctly.
• Brake Checks: Listen for any unusual noises when braking and be aware of any changes in brake pedal feel.
• Fluid Levels: Check and top up essential fluids like brake fluid and screenwash.
• Wiper Blades: Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition and clear the screen effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
You can drive your car if it has failed its MOT, as long as it has not been issued with a 'dangerous' classification. If it's classified as dangerous, you must not drive it on public roads until repairs are made. You are still legally required to have a valid MOT certificate.

Q2: How long do I have to get repairs done after failing?
If you want to benefit from a partial re-test at the same centre, the repairs must be completed and the car presented for re-test within 10 working days of the original failure.

Q3: What if my MOT certificate has expired?
If your MOT certificate has expired, you generally cannot drive your car unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT appointment. If your car has failed its MOT and the certificate has expired, you must get it repaired and re-tested before driving it anywhere else.

Q4: Can I sell a car that has failed its MOT?
Yes, you can sell a car that has failed its MOT, but you must clearly state that it has failed and what the reasons are. It is generally easier to sell a car with a valid MOT certificate.

Q5: What is the difference between a 'failure' and an 'advisory' on an MOT?
A failure means a specific component or system does not meet the minimum legal standard and must be repaired. An advisory is a note from the tester highlighting a potential issue that may become a problem in the future but does not currently cause the car to fail the test.

Conclusion

Failing an MOT is a common occurrence, but with the right information, it doesn't have to be a major hurdle. By understanding the failure categories, knowing your options for repair and re-testing, and practising regular vehicle maintenance, you can ensure your car remains safe and legal on the road. Always prioritise safety and address any defects promptly to avoid potential penalties and ensure your vehicle performs at its best.

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