17/07/2020
Discovering that your vehicle hasn't passed its MOT can be a disheartening experience, but it's a common occurrence and certainly not the end of the world. Understanding the process following an MOT failure is crucial to getting your car back on the road safely and legally. This guide will walk you through exactly what happens when your car fails an MOT, the implications, your options for repair, and the associated costs, ensuring you're well-informed and prepared to tackle the situation head-on.
What Does an MOT Failure Mean?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual check to ensure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. If your car fails, it means that one or more components did not meet the required standards. Crucially, you cannot legally drive your car on public roads if it has failed its MOT, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked appointment for repair or to a pre-booked MOT retest. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is an offence and can result in fines and penalty points on your driving licence.
Understanding the MOT Test Certificate
When your vehicle undergoes an MOT, you will receive a VT30 certificate. This certificate details whether your vehicle has passed or failed. If it has failed, the certificate will clearly list the reasons for failure, categorising the issues as 'dangerous', 'major', or 'advisory'.
- 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 should not be driven until the repairs are completed.
- Major Defects: These are faults that may compromise the safety of the vehicle, affect its performance, or harm the environment. They require immediate repair.
- Advisory Items: These are defects that are not serious enough to cause an MOT failure at this time, but could become more serious in the future. It's advisable to address these issues promptly to prevent future problems and maintain your vehicle's condition.
Your Options After an MOT Failure
Once you have your failure certificate, you have a few options:
1. Repair and Retest at the Same Test Centre
This is often the most straightforward option. You can leave your car at the test centre for repairs. If the repairs are carried out by the same test centre, you may be eligible for a free retest on certain items. This is typically the case if the vehicle is repaired and resubmitted for a retest within one working day of failing.
2. Repair and Retest Elsewhere
You can choose to take your car away for repairs at a different garage. Once the repairs are completed, you will need to take your vehicle for a full, new MOT test. This means you will have to pay the full MOT fee again, regardless of whether the original test centre identified the issues.
3. Drive to a Pre-booked Repair Appointment
As mentioned, you can drive your car to a pre-booked repair appointment. This is the only circumstance under which you can legally drive a car that has failed its MOT. Ensure you have proof of this appointment.
MOT Fees and Retest Charges
The cost of an MOT can vary depending on the class of your vehicle. The provided information outlines the maximum fees set by the government. For instance, a standard car (Class IV) has a maximum MOT fee of £50.35. It's important to note that garages can charge less than the maximum, but never more.
Retest Fees are a significant consideration. If your vehicle fails its MOT, you might be eligible for a free retest. This is usually when the repairs are done by the same garage and the vehicle is presented for a retest within one working day. If a retest is required after this period, or if the repairs are carried out elsewhere, you will likely incur a partial or full retest fee. A partial retest fee is capped at half of the original MOT test fee.
MOT Fee Structure (Maximum Fees)
| Vehicle Class | Description | Age | First Test Required | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class I & II | Motorbikes (up to 200 cm3 engine, with sidecar) | 3 years | Yes | £23.80 / £30.40 |
| Class III | 3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450 kg unladen weight) | 3 years | Yes | £30.40 |
| Class IV | Cars, Motor Caravans, 3-wheeled vehicles (over 450 kg unladen), Quads, Dual Purpose Vehicles, PSVs, Goods Vehicles (up to 3,000 kg DGW), Ambulances and Taxis, Private Passenger Vehicles and Ambulances (9-12 passenger seats) | 3 years | Yes | £50.35 |
| Class V | Private Passenger Vehicles & Ambulances (with 13 or more passenger seats) | 1 year | Yes | £47.95 (13-16 seats) / £65.00 (16+ seats) |
| Class VII | Goods Vehicles (over 3000kg up to 3500kg DGW) | 1 year | Yes | £47.20 |
Duplicate Test Certificate Fee
Should you lose your MOT certificate, you can obtain a duplicate. The maximum fee for a duplicate MOT test certificate is currently £10.00.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
Many common issues can lead to an MOT failure. Being aware of these can help you proactively maintain your vehicle:
- Tyres: Insufficient tread depth (below 1.6mm), damage, or incorrect tyre pressure.
- Brakes: Worn brake pads or discs, faulty brake fluid levels, or inefficient braking performance.
- Lights: Malfunctioning headlights, brake lights, indicators, or incorrect alignment.
- Wipers and Washers: Ineffective wipers or empty washer fluid reservoirs.
- Exhaust System: Leaks, excessive noise, or high emissions.
- Suspension: Worn shock absorbers, springs, or other suspension components.
- Steering: Play in the steering wheel or worn steering components.
- Bodywork: Significant corrosion in structural areas, sharp edges, or protruding parts.
- Seatbelts: Damaged or malfunctioning seatbelts.
- Windscreen: Cracks or chips in the driver's line of sight.
What to Do Next: A Step-by-Step Approach
- Review the VT30 Certificate: Carefully read the details of the failure and understand which components need attention.
- Get a Quote for Repairs: If you're not doing the repairs yourself, obtain quotes from a reputable garage.
- Decide on Repairs: Weigh the cost of repairs against the value of your vehicle. Sometimes, older vehicles may require repairs that exceed their worth.
- Arrange for Repairs: Book your car in for the necessary work.
- Schedule a Retest: If you're using the same test centre, inform them you'll be bringing the car back for a retest. If you're using a different garage, book a new MOT test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
Generally, no. You can only drive your car to a pre-booked appointment for repair or a pre-booked MOT retest. Driving otherwise is illegal.
How long do I have to get my car repaired after failing its MOT?
There is no strict time limit for repairs, but you cannot drive the vehicle legally until it passes an MOT test. If you intend to use the vehicle, you must ensure it is repaired and has a valid MOT certificate.
What is a partial retest?
A partial retest usually involves re-checking only the items that failed the initial MOT. This is often offered by the original test centre if the vehicle is brought back within a specific timeframe (often one working day) and the failed items are repaired. The fee for a partial retest is capped at half the original MOT fee.
Can I sell a car that has failed its MOT?
Yes, you can sell a car that has failed its MOT, but it must be sold as is, and the buyer must be made aware of the failure. The buyer would then be responsible for getting it repaired and passing the MOT.
Conclusion
Failing an MOT is a common hurdle for many car owners. By understanding the implications, your repair options, and the associated costs, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to prioritize safety and ensure your vehicle meets all the necessary legal requirements to keep you and others safe on the road. Regular maintenance and addressing advisory items promptly can also help prevent future MOT failures, saving you time, money, and stress.
If you want to read more articles similar to Failed MOT? Your Guide to What Happens Next, you can visit the MOT category.