27/07/2002
The annual MOT test is a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old in the UK. It ensures your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. While most vehicles pass without a hitch, a failure can be a stressful experience. Understanding what happens if your vehicle fails its MOT, and what your options are, is crucial for keeping your car on the road legally and safely. This guide will walk you through the process, from the moment of failure to getting your vehicle back to a pass standard.
Understanding Your MOT Failure
When your vehicle fails its MOT, the testing centre will provide you with a VT30 document. This document details all the reasons for the failure, categorised into two types of defects:
- Dangerous Defects: These are issues that pose an immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. If your vehicle has any dangerous defects, it must not be driven until the issues are repaired. You can only drive it to a pre-booked repair appointment or a pre-booked MOT retest.
- Major Defects: These are defects that could compromise the safety of the vehicle, put other road users at risk, or have an impact on the environment. While you can still drive the vehicle with major defects, it is strongly advised to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid potential issues and ensure your safety.
It's essential to carefully review the VT30 document. Understanding the specific faults will help you plan the necessary repairs. Don't hesitate to ask the testing centre for clarification if any part of the report is unclear.
Can I Drive My Car After Failing My MOT?
The answer to this question depends on the nature of the failure:
- If your vehicle has dangerous defects: You absolutely cannot drive your vehicle on public roads. Driving a vehicle with dangerous defects is illegal and carries significant penalties, including fines and penalty points. The only exceptions are driving to a pre-booked appointment for repair or a pre-booked MOT retest.
- If your vehicle only has major defects: You can continue to drive your vehicle, but only if its current MOT certificate is still valid. If your MOT has expired, you cannot legally drive the car until it has passed a retest. It is highly recommended to arrange for the necessary repairs promptly to avoid any safety risks and to ensure you can get a retest booked in.
Your MOT Retest Options
Once your vehicle has been repaired, you'll need to get it retested. You have a few options for your MOT retest:
1. Retest at the Same Testing Centre
If you leave your vehicle at the testing centre for repair, or if you bring it back for a retest on the same day or the next working day, you may be eligible for a partial or full retest at a reduced fee, or even free of charge. This is often the most convenient and cost-effective option.
Key Benefit: Often cheaper or free, convenient if repairs are done on-site.
2. Retest at a Different Testing Centre
You are free to take your vehicle to a different MOT testing centre for its retest. However, you will typically have to pay the full MOT test fee again. This might be a good option if you've found a more suitable or competitive repair garage elsewhere.
Key Benefit: Freedom to choose your repairer.
3. Driving to a Pre-booked Retest
As mentioned earlier, if your vehicle has dangerous defects, you can only drive it to a pre-booked MOT retest. This means you need to have an appointment booked with an MOT centre before you drive the vehicle there.
How Long Do I Have for a Retest?
The rules around retests are fairly straightforward:
- If you leave your vehicle at the testing centre for repair: You can get a free retest of the specific items that failed, provided you collect the vehicle within one working day.
- If you take the vehicle away for repair: You can bring it back to the same testing centre for a retest within 10 working days of the original test date. In this scenario, the retest will usually only cover the items that failed the initial inspection, and it might be at a reduced fee.
- After 10 working days: If you don't get your vehicle retested within 10 working days, you will have to book a full, standard MOT test again, and pay the full fee.
It’s crucial to be aware of these timeframes to avoid paying for a full MOT test unnecessarily.
Faulty or broken lights will cause an MOT failure. Yet it's easy to check them before the test. Switch on your headlights, fog lights and hazard lights, and if it's safe to do so, walk around the vehicle and see if they're all working. Don't forget the number plate lamps and the rear lights. What If I Don't Repair My Car?
If you choose not to repair your vehicle after it fails its MOT, you cannot legally drive it on public roads if its MOT certificate has expired or if it has dangerous defects. Unrepaired vehicles that are not roadworthy can lead to:
- Fines: Driving an unroadworthy vehicle can result in significant fines.
- Penalty Points: You could receive penalty points on your driving licence.
- Insurance Issues: Driving an unroadworthy vehicle may invalidate your car insurance, leaving you uninsured.
- Safety Risks: The most important consequence is the risk to yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
If your car is not going to be repaired or used on public roads, you should consider declaring it as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) with the DVLA. This legally informs the authorities that the vehicle is not being used and is kept off public roads. You will need to arrange for the vehicle to be taken off public roads, perhaps to a private driveway or garage, to do this.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
Understanding the most common reasons for MOT failure can help you proactively maintain your vehicle and increase your chances of passing first time:
Common MOT Failure Points Category Common Issues Lights Incorrect bulb types, faulty headlights, non-functioning brake lights, indicators not working. Brakes Worn brake pads or discs, low brake fluid, brake pipes corroded or leaking, handbrake not holding effectively. Tyres Tyres with tread depth below the legal limit (1.6mm), damaged or cut tyres, incorrect tyre pressures, mismatched tyres on the same axle. Suspension Worn shock absorbers, damaged springs, loose or corroded suspension components. Exhaust System Excessive noise, leaks, or a corroded exhaust system. High CO2 emissions. Visibility Damaged or obstructed windscreen, worn or damaged windscreen wipers, mirrors not in good condition. Body & Chassis Significant corrosion in structural areas, sharp edges exposed, loose or damaged body panels. Fuel System Leaking fuel pipes or connections. Preventative Maintenance Tips
To minimise the risk of failing your MOT, regular and proactive maintenance is key. Consider the following:
- Regular Servicing: Stick to your manufacturer's recommended service schedule.
- Tyre Checks: Regularly check your tyre tread depth and condition.
- Brake Checks: Listen for any unusual noises from your brakes and have them inspected if you have any doubts.
- Fluid Levels: Ensure all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid) are topped up.
- Lights and Wipers: Periodically check that all your lights are working correctly and that your wipers are effective.
- Visual Inspections: Walk around your car and look for any obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my MOT has expired?
You cannot legally drive your vehicle on public roads if your MOT certificate has expired, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.
Can I sell my car if it fails its MOT?
Yes, you can sell your car if it fails its MOT. However, you must clearly state that it has failed and is being sold for repair or spares. The buyer will then be responsible for getting it repaired and passing the MOT.
What are the penalties for driving without a valid MOT?
Penalties can include fines of up to £1,000, penalty points on your licence, and your car being impounded. Furthermore, driving without a valid MOT can invalidate your insurance.
Do I have to get the repairs done at the original testing station?
No, you are free to choose any garage or mechanic to carry out the necessary repairs. You can then take your vehicle to any authorised MOT testing centre for its retest.
Failing an MOT can be a cause for concern, but by understanding the process and your options, you can navigate it effectively. Regular maintenance and addressing potential issues before your test are the best ways to ensure your vehicle remains safe, legal, and on the road.
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