27/09/2012
Receiving the news that your vehicle has failed its MOT can be a disheartening experience. It's not just about the inconvenience of not being able to drive your car legally; it's also about understanding the implications and what steps you need to take to rectify the situation. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the failure reasons to getting your car back on the road, ensuring you're fully informed and prepared.
Understanding the MOT Failure Report
When your vehicle fails its MOT, the examiner will provide you with a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate' document. This report details all the reasons for the failure, categorising them into 'dangerous' or 'major' defects. It's crucial to understand the severity of these issues. A dangerous defect means the vehicle is in an unsafe condition and must not be driven on the road under any circumstances until it's repaired. A major defect indicates that while the car may be drivable, it needs immediate repair to meet legal standards. Minor defects, if not addressed, can also contribute to a failure if they are related to a more significant issue or if they are numerous.
What You Can and Cannot Do After Failing
The rules regarding driving a vehicle with an expired MOT are strict. If your MOT has expired, and your vehicle has failed, you generally cannot drive it on public roads. The only exception is if you are driving it to a pre-booked appointment at a garage for repairs or to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. You'll need to be able to prove that this appointment exists if stopped by the police. Driving a vehicle that requires an MOT and does not have a valid one is an offence, potentially leading to fines and penalty points on your licence. It also invalidates your car insurance, which can have severe financial and legal consequences.
The Repair Process: Options and Considerations
Once you have the failure report, you have a few options for getting the necessary repairs done:
- Repair at the Original Test Centre: You can have the repairs carried out by the same MOT test centre. If the repairs are minor and can be completed within one working day, the centre may be able to carry out a partial re-test free of charge.
- Repair at a Different Garage: You can take your vehicle to any garage of your choice for the repairs. If you choose this route, you will need to book a full, new MOT test once the repairs are complete.
When choosing where to get your vehicle repaired, consider the following:
- Cost of Repairs: Get quotes from different garages to ensure you are getting a fair price for the work needed.
- Quality of Work: Ensure the garage is reputable and that the parts used are of good quality. Ask about warranties on the parts and labour.
- Turnaround Time: If you need your car back quickly, discuss this with the garage to understand their schedule.
The Re-test: Getting Your Certificate
The re-test procedure depends on where the repairs were carried out and how quickly they were completed:
- Repairs at the Test Centre: If the vehicle is repaired and presented for a re-test within one working day of the original failure, certain items may be re-tested. If the repairs were done at the test centre, this partial re-test is often free.
- Repairs Done Elsewhere or After One Working Day: If the vehicle is taken elsewhere for repairs, or if it's presented for re-test more than one working day after the failure, a new, full MOT test is required. Some centres offer a reduced price for a re-test if booked within a certain timeframe (usually 10-14 days), but this is at the centre's discretion.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
Understanding common failure points can help you proactively maintain your vehicle. Here are some of the most frequent reasons cars fail their MOT:
| Component | Common Failure Reason |
|---|---|
| Lights | Incorrect bulb types, malfunctioning lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators), missing reflectors. |
| Brakes | Worn brake pads or discs, low brake fluid, issues with the braking system's efficiency or feel, including the handbrake. |
| Tyres | Tyres with tread depth below the legal limit (1.6mm), cuts or bulges, incorrect tyre pressures, or mismatched tyres on the same axle. |
| Visibility | Worn or damaged windscreen wipers, ineffective windscreen washer system, restricted visibility due to damage or obstruction. |
| Suspension | Damaged or corroded suspension components, worn shock absorbers, or leaking suspension. |
| Exhaust System | Exhaust leaks, excessive noise, or a catalytic converter that is not functioning correctly or is missing. |
| Steering | Worn steering components, excessive play in the steering wheel, or damaged steering rack. |
| Structure and Bodywork | Significant corrosion in critical areas (chassis, suspension mounts), sharp edges, or loose body panels. |
| Emissions | Failure to meet the required exhaust emission standards. This can be due to various factors including engine issues, catalytic converter problems, or even incorrect fuel. |
Preventative Maintenance: The Best Defence
The most effective way to avoid the stress and cost of failing an MOT is through regular, preventative maintenance. This doesn't mean you need to be a master mechanic; it involves being aware of your vehicle's needs and addressing them promptly.
- Regular Servicing: Follow your car manufacturer's recommended service schedule. A full service often includes checks on many components that are part of the MOT test.
- Pre-MOT Checks: Before your MOT is due, do a basic visual inspection yourself. Check your tyre tread depth, lights, windscreen wipers, and fluid levels. Simple checks can highlight potential issues before they become costly failures.
- Listen to Your Car: Pay attention to any unusual noises, changes in performance, or warning lights on your dashboard. These are often early indicators of problems that could lead to an MOT failure.
- Address Minor Issues Promptly: Don't ignore small problems. A worn bulb or a slightly low tyre pressure, while not a failure on its own, can be symptomatic of larger issues or contribute to a failure if multiple minor faults are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I drive my car if its MOT has expired but it passed last year?
No, you cannot legally drive your car on public roads if its MOT has expired, regardless of whether it passed the previous year. You can only drive it to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.
Q2: What happens if I'm caught driving without a valid MOT?
You can face a fine of up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate. Additionally, driving without a valid MOT can invalidate your insurance, leading to more severe penalties if you are involved in an accident.
Q3: How long do I have to get repairs done after failing an MOT?
There is no strict deadline for completing repairs, but you cannot drive the vehicle on public roads (except to a pre-booked repair or MOT appointment) if its MOT has expired. The longer you leave it, the longer you'll be without your vehicle.
Q4: Is a partial re-test always free?
A partial re-test is typically free if the vehicle is repaired and presented for re-test at the original test centre within one working day of the failure. However, the test centre is not obliged to offer this, and it depends on the nature of the failure and the repairs.
Q5: Can I sell a car that has failed its MOT?
Yes, you can sell a car that has failed its MOT, but you must inform the buyer that it has failed. You cannot legally sell a car that is not roadworthy without disclosing the issues.
Conclusion
Failing an MOT is a setback, but with the right information and approach, it's a manageable one. By understanding the failure report, knowing your options for repair and re-testing, and focusing on preventative maintenance, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe, legal, and reliable on the road. Remember, a well-maintained car is not only more likely to pass its MOT but also safer and more economical to run in the long term.
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