02/05/2012
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual check that ensures your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards. It’s a crucial part of vehicle ownership in the UK, and understanding the outcome of your test is vital. But what exactly happens if your vehicle passes or fails its MOT? This guide will walk you through the process, explaining the implications of each result and what steps you need to take.
Passing Your MOT Test
Congratulations! If your vehicle passes its MOT, it means it has met the required safety and environmental standards on the day of the inspection. You’ll be issued with an MOT certificate, which is proof that your car is roadworthy. The certificate will also list any advisories. These are items that are not serious enough to cause an immediate failure but will likely need attention in the near future. It’s wise to address these advisories proactively to prevent them from becoming more serious issues or leading to a failure in subsequent tests. Think of them as helpful hints to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. The expiry date on your current MOT certificate will be extended, and you can continue to drive your vehicle legally, provided it remains in a roadworthy condition.
Understanding MOT Advisories
Advisories are common and are a good indicator of your vehicle's current condition. They are not failures, but they highlight potential problems that could worsen over time. Common advisories include:
- Slightly worn tyres (but still above the legal tread depth)
- Brake fluid that is getting low
- Suspension components showing slight wear
- Exhaust emissions that are slightly outside the acceptable limits
- Minor corrosion on the bodywork
- Lights that are slightly dim
While you don't need to fix advisories immediately to pass your MOT, it's highly recommended to schedule repairs for them. Ignoring advisories can lead to more significant and costly repairs down the line, and could ultimately result in your vehicle failing its next MOT. Keeping a record of your advisories can also help you track the maintenance history of your vehicle.
Failing Your MOT Test
If your vehicle fails its MOT, it means it has not met the minimum required standards for road safety or environmental emissions. You will receive a refusal of an MOT test certificate. Crucially, you cannot legally drive your vehicle on the road if it has failed its MOT and its existing MOT certificate has expired. There are some exceptions, such as driving to a pre-booked appointment at a garage for repairs or to a pre-booked MOT test. Failure to comply with this could result in penalties, including fines and penalty points on your driving licence.
Reasons for MOT Failure
MOT failures are categorised into two types:
- Dangerous Defects: These are faults that pose a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. If your vehicle has a dangerous defect, you cannot drive it until the necessary repairs are made.
- Major Defects: These are faults that do not meet the minimum standards but are not immediately dangerous. Your vehicle will fail, and you will need to have these defects repaired.
Common reasons for MOT failure include:
| Component | Common Failure Points |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Worn discs or pads, faulty callipers, low brake fluid, inefficient braking performance |
| Tyres | Insufficient tread depth (below 1.6mm), cuts or bulges on the sidewalls, incorrect tyre pressure |
| Lights | Non-functioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, or indicators; incorrect alignment |
| Steering and Suspension | Worn ball joints, damaged suspension springs, leaking shock absorbers, excessive play in steering |
| Exhaust System | Leaks, excessive noise, high emissions, damaged catalytic converter |
| Visibility | Worn or damaged windscreen wipers, blocked washer jets, damaged windscreen (in the driver's line of sight) |
| Chassis and Bodywork | Significant corrosion in structural areas, sharp edges protruding |
What to do After Failing an MOT
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you have a few options:
- Repair at the same garage: You can leave your vehicle at the testing centre for repairs. If the repairs are completed within one working day of the original test, a free partial re-test is usually offered.
- Repair elsewhere: You can take your vehicle to another garage for repairs. If you take it elsewhere, you will likely have to pay for a full re-test. However, if you take it for repair and then return it to the original testing centre within 10 working days of the failure, it will only be subject to a partial re-test.
It's important to get the necessary repairs done as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle is safe and legal to drive. Always ask the garage for a detailed breakdown of the repairs needed and a quote before authorising any work.
The MOT Test Certificate
The MOT test certificate is a vital document. Whether your vehicle passes or fails, you will receive a certificate.
Pass Certificate
A pass certificate is issued if your vehicle meets all the required standards. It will show the vehicle's registration number, the date of the test, the expiry date of the current MOT, and any advisories. The certificate is usually printed on green paper.
Failure Certificate
A failure certificate is issued if your vehicle does not meet the required standards. It will detail the reasons for the failure, categorised as either 'Dangerous' or 'Major' defects, and any 'Advisories'. This certificate is usually printed on red paper. It is essential to keep this certificate as proof of the issues that need addressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
You can only drive your car if its existing MOT certificate is still valid and it has failed due to an advisory item. If the existing MOT has expired, you can only drive it to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a pre-booked repair appointment. Driving otherwise can lead to fines and prosecution.
What is the difference between an MOT advisory and a failure?
An advisory is a recommendation for a repair that is not immediately necessary to pass the MOT, but is likely to become a problem in the future. A failure means a component or system does not meet the minimum legal standard and must be repaired for the vehicle to be roadworthy.
How long do I have to get repairs done after failing an MOT?
There is no strict deadline for completing repairs after an MOT failure, but you must not drive the vehicle on public roads if its MOT has expired and it has failed. You should aim to get the repairs done as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle is safe and legal.
Do I have to get the repairs done at the same garage?
No, you are not obliged to have the repairs done at the same garage that conducted the MOT. You are free to choose any reputable garage to carry out the necessary work.
What happens if my MOT runs out tomorrow?
If your MOT expires tomorrow, you must ensure your vehicle has a valid MOT certificate to be driven on public roads from that day onwards. If it fails its test today, and the current MOT expires tomorrow, you cannot drive it until it passes a re-test after repairs.
Conclusion
Understanding the outcome of your MOT test is essential for keeping your vehicle safe, legal, and well-maintained. Whether your vehicle passes with advisories or fails outright, taking prompt action will save you potential trouble and expense in the long run. Regular checks and proactive maintenance are key to ensuring your car is always ready for its annual MOT inspection.
If you want to read more articles similar to MOT Test: Pass or Fail Explained, you can visit the MOT category.