15/11/2013
Failing your MOT test can be a stressful experience, but it's a crucial part of ensuring your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Understanding the process and your options after a failed MOT is essential. This guide will walk you through what happens when your car doesn't pass its annual inspection, what you can do about it, and how to get back on the road legally.
Understanding Your MOT Test Result
When your vehicle undergoes an MOT test, it's assessed against a range of safety and environmental standards. If it meets these standards, it receives an MOT certificate. If it doesn't, you'll receive a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate' along with a report detailing the reasons for failure. This report is vital as it lists all the defects, categorised as either 'dangerous' or 'major'.
Dangerous Defects
If your vehicle has any 'dangerous' defects, it is illegal to drive it on the road. This means you cannot drive your car to a garage for repairs or even to another MOT test centre. You will need to arrange for it to be towed or transported to a repair shop.
Major Defects
Vehicles with 'major' defects can still be driven to a pre-arranged MOT test or to a place of repair. However, it's strongly advised to get these issues addressed as soon as possible to avoid potential breakdowns and ensure your safety.
What You Can Do After Failing
Once you have your MOT failure report, you have a few options:
- Get it Repaired at the Test Centre: Many MOT test centres offer repair services. If the repairs are minor and can be completed on the same day, your vehicle can be re-tested immediately. You'll typically only pay for the re-test if it's done within a certain timeframe (usually one working day).
- Take it Elsewhere for Repairs: You can choose to take your vehicle to a different garage for the necessary repairs. Once repaired, you'll need to book a new MOT test.
Re-testing After Repairs
The rules for re-testing depend on when you get the repairs done:
- Re-test on the Same Day: If your vehicle is repaired and re-tested at the same test centre within one working day of failing, the re-test is often free or significantly reduced.
- Re-test After One Working Day: If you take your vehicle for repairs elsewhere or it's not re-tested within one working day, you'll need to pay for a full MOT test.
It's important to note that the re-test only covers the items that caused the original failure. If other parts of the vehicle are checked and found to have issues, these will be included in the new failure report.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
Understanding why cars fail their MOT can help you maintain your vehicle proactively. Here are some of the most common reasons:
| Component | Reason for Failure |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Incorrect bulb types, faulty bulbs, misaligned headlights, missing lights. |
| Brakes | Worn brake pads or discs, low brake fluid, faulty brake lines, poor brake performance. |
| Tyres | Insufficient tread depth (below 1.6mm), cuts or bulges on the sidewall, incorrect tyre pressures. |
| Suspension | Worn shock absorbers, damaged springs, loose suspension components. |
| Visibility | Worn or damaged windscreen wipers, cracked windscreen (in the driver's line of sight), obstructed view. |
| Exhaust System | Leaks, excessive noise, catalytic converter issues, high emissions. |
| Body and Structure | Significant corrosion in structural areas, sharp edges, damaged body panels. |
| Seatbelts and Airbags | Faulty seatbelt mechanisms, deployed airbags, faulty warning lights. |
Can I Drive My Car if it Fails its MOT?
As mentioned, you can only legally drive a vehicle that has failed its MOT if it has 'major' defects and you are driving it to a pre-arranged appointment for repair or to a pre-arranged MOT test. Driving a vehicle with 'dangerous' defects is a serious offence and can lead to penalties, including fines and penalty points on your licence.
It's also crucial to remember that even if your car has a valid MOT certificate, if it is found to be in a dangerous condition on the road, you can still be prosecuted. Regular checks and maintenance are key.
What if the Test Centre Won't Re-test My Car?
If your car fails its MOT, the test centre must provide you with the refusal certificate. If they refuse to do this, you can complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). If you believe the test was unfair, you can appeal the result, but this must be done within a specific timeframe, and you may have to pay for a second opinion.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
To minimise the chances of your car failing its MOT, consider these preventative maintenance tips:
- Regularly Check Tyres: Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth and are free from damage.
- Check Lights: Walk around your car and check that all lights are working correctly.
- Top Up Fluids: Ensure your windscreen washer fluid, oil, and coolant levels are adequate.
- Test Brakes: Pay attention to any unusual noises or spongy feelings when braking.
- Inspect Wipers: Make sure your windscreen wipers clear the screen effectively.
- Listen for Unusual Noises: Rattles or clunks from the suspension or exhaust could indicate problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: My MOT expired yesterday, and my car failed its MOT today. Can I still drive it?
A1: No, if your MOT expired yesterday, you cannot legally drive your car on the road today, even if it has just failed its MOT. You would need to have it towed to a garage for repairs and a new MOT.
Q2: How long do I have to get my car repaired after it fails its MOT?
A2: There is no legal time limit to get your car repaired after it fails its MOT. However, you cannot drive it if it has dangerous defects, and it's advisable to repair major defects promptly.
Q3: Can I sell a car that has failed its MOT?
A3: Yes, you can sell a car that has failed its MOT. However, you must inform the buyer that it has failed and provide them with the refusal certificate. It's generally best practice to sell it as 'spares or repairs'.
Q4: What happens if my car fails its MOT due to emissions?
A4: If your car fails due to emissions, you will need to have the exhaust system or related components repaired or replaced. This might involve fixing leaks, replacing the catalytic converter, or addressing engine management issues.
Q5: Does a failed MOT affect my car insurance?
A5: While a failed MOT doesn't directly invalidate your insurance, driving an unroadworthy vehicle could. If you were involved in an accident while driving a car with dangerous defects, your insurance might be affected or even voided.
Failing an MOT is a setback, but with the right knowledge and prompt action, you can get your vehicle back in good working order. Regular maintenance is your best defence against unexpected failures and ensures you and other road users remain safe.
If you want to read more articles similar to Failed MOT: What Happens Next?, you can visit the MOT category.