28/09/2022
Understanding Your MOT Failure
Receiving notification that your vehicle has failed its MOT can be a moment of unwelcome anxiety. It’s a common experience for many motorists across the UK, and understanding the implications and the necessary steps forward is crucial. While a failed MOT means your car is not currently roadworthy according to legal standards, it doesn't necessarily spell disaster. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what a failed MOT signifies, the common reasons behind it, and precisely what you need to do to rectify the situation and get your vehicle back on the road, legally and safely. We'll delve into the process, your rights, and essential checks you can perform yourself.
What Does a Failed MOT Actually Mean?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection required for vehicles that are three years old or more. Its primary purpose is to ensure your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. When your car fails, it means that one or more components have been identified as not meeting these crucial standards. Crucially, a vehicle that has failed its MOT must not be driven on public roads unless it is for the sole purpose of driving to a pre-booked MOT test appointment or to a place of repair. Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT without these specific allowances can lead to fines, penalty points, and even invalidate your car insurance.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
The MOT test covers a wide range of vehicle components. While some failures are minor, others can be more serious. Understanding the most frequent culprits can help you anticipate potential issues and maintain your vehicle proactively. Here are some of the most common reasons for a vehicle to fail its MOT:
Lighting and Signalling
Faulty or incorrect lighting is a very common reason for failure. This includes:
- Headlights: Incorrect aim, dim bulbs, or cracked casings.
- Brake lights: Not functioning, or the wrong colour (should be red).
- Indicators: Not flashing correctly, wrong colour, or obstructed.
- Rear fog lights: Missing or not working.
Brakes
The braking system is paramount for safety, so any issues here are taken very seriously:
- Worn brake pads or discs: Insufficient material or significant scoring.
- Leaking brake fluid: Indicating a problem with the hydraulic system.
- Faulty brake pipes: Corrosion or damage.
- Ineffective braking: If the brakes don't provide adequate stopping power.
Tyres
Tyre condition is vital for grip and stability:
- Insufficient tread depth: Below the legal minimum of 1.6mm across 75% of the tyre's width.
- Visible damage: Cuts, bulges, or cracks in the tyre sidewall.
- Incorrect tyre pressures: Though often an advisory, severely incorrect pressures can be a fail.
- Tyres not matching: Different types or sizes on the same axle.
Visibility
Ensuring clear visibility for the driver is non-negotiable:
- Windscreen: Cracks or chips in the driver's line of sight (within a 40mm diameter circle or 10mm in the driver's direct line of vision).
- Wiper blades: Damaged, worn, or ineffective wipers that don't clear the screen properly.
- Washers: If the washer fluid system isn't working to clear the windscreen.
Structure and Body
The structural integrity of the vehicle is tested:
- Excessive corrosion: Particularly in structural areas like chassis rails or suspension mounts.
- Sharp edges: Protruding parts that could injure pedestrians.
- Doors: Not opening or closing correctly from the outside.
- Seats: Loose or insecure seats.
Engine and Exhaust
Environmental and operational aspects are checked:
- Emissions: Exceeding the permitted limits for exhaust gases.
- Exhaust system: Leaks, excessive noise, or incorrect fitting.
- Engine oil leaks: Significant leaks that could cause environmental damage or fire risk.
Other Common Issues
Don't forget these less obvious but equally important areas:
- Suspension components: Worn ball joints, shock absorbers, or springs.
- Steering: Loose steering components or excessive play.
- Seatbelts: Damaged, frayed, or malfunctioning seatbelts.
- Horn: If it doesn't sound correctly or is missing.
What to Expect After a Failure
When your vehicle fails, the MOT test centre will provide you with a refusal of an MOT certificate (often referred to as a 'VT30' form). This document will clearly list all the reasons for the failure, categorised as either 'dangerous' or 'major' defects.
Dangerous defects mean the vehicle must not be driven on public roads at all. If your car has dangerous defects, it must remain at the test centre or be transported away for repair by a trailer, recovery vehicle, or other means of transport.
Major defects mean the vehicle needs to be repaired immediately to meet the required standards. You can drive your car to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a place of repair, but you should not use it for any other purpose.
You will also receive a 'Major' or 'Dangerous' defect notice which you'll need to keep. The test centre will also offer you a free partial retest of the failed items if you leave the vehicle with them for repair and it is retested within 10 working days.
Your Options After a Failed MOT
Once you have your refusal certificate, you have a few options:
Option 1: Get it Repaired at the Test Centre
This is often the most convenient option, especially if the test centre offers a free partial retest. They are already familiar with the vehicle and the issues identified. Ensure you get a clear quote for the repairs before agreeing to them.
Option 2: Take it to Another Garage for Repairs
You are free to take your vehicle to any garage of your choice for the necessary repairs. Once the repairs are completed, you will need to take your vehicle for a new MOT test. If you choose this option, remember that if the car is more than 10 working days old since its original test, it will require a full new MOT test, not just a partial retest.
Option 3: Drive to a Pre-booked Appointment or Repair Shop
As mentioned, you can legally drive your car to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs. However, this is only permitted if the vehicle passed its previous MOT and the current MOT has expired, or if it has a pre-booked appointment at an MOT test centre. If the previous MOT has expired, you're generally only allowed to drive to a pre-booked MOT test or a garage for repairs. It's wise to have proof of your booking or repair appointment with you.
What About Advisories?
It's important to distinguish between 'fail' items and 'advisory' items. Advisories are issues that the MOT tester has identified as potentially problematic in the near future but do not currently cause the vehicle to fail the test. These could include things like slightly worn brake pads, minor oil leaks, or tyres nearing the legal limit. While they don't result in an immediate failure, it's highly recommended to address advisories promptly. Ignoring them could lead to more significant problems and a failure at your next MOT. Think of advisories as a heads-up for future maintenance.
Can I Repair it Myself?
Yes, you can undertake the repairs yourself, provided you have the skills and tools. However, you must ensure that the repairs are carried out to a standard that will pass the MOT. If you're not confident in your mechanical abilities, it's always best to leave it to the professionals. Remember, if you carry out repairs yourself, you will still need to take the vehicle for a full MOT test afterwards if it's been more than 10 working days since the original failure.
Pre-MOT Checks: Preventing Failures
The best way to deal with an MOT failure is to prevent it in the first place. Regular vehicle maintenance is key. Here are some simple checks you can do yourself:
- Lights: Walk around the car and check that all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights) are working correctly. Ask someone to help you check the brake lights.
- Tyres: Check the tread depth using a tread depth gauge or even a 20p coin (the outer band should not be visible when inserted into the tread). Look for any visible damage like cuts or bulges.
- Wipers and Washers: Ensure your wipers clear the screen effectively and that the washer fluid sprays.
- Horn: Give the horn a quick blast to ensure it's working.
- Windscreen: Check for any chips or cracks, especially in the driver's field of vision.
- Fluids: Check your engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if my MOT has already expired? | You can only drive your car to a pre-booked MOT test or to a place of repair. You cannot use it for any other purpose. |
| Can I sell a car that has failed its MOT? | Yes, but you must disclose that it has failed and what the reasons are. It's generally advisable to get it repaired first to achieve a better selling price. |
| How long do I have to get my car repaired after failing? | There's no strict legal deadline for repairs, but you cannot drive the car on public roads (unless for pre-booked MOT or repair) until it is fixed and passes. If you leave it at the test centre, you typically have 10 working days for a free partial retest. |
| What is the difference between a 'major' and 'dangerous' defect? | A 'dangerous' defect means the vehicle is unsafe to drive immediately and must not be used on the road at all. A 'major' defect needs to be repaired to meet standards, but the vehicle may be drivable to a repair location or pre-booked MOT. |
| Do I have to get the repairs done at the original test centre? | No, you can choose any garage. However, if you leave the car at the original test centre, you might benefit from a free partial retest if completed within 10 working days. |
In conclusion, a failed MOT is a temporary setback. By understanding the reasons for failure, knowing your options, and performing regular checks, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe, legal, and reliable on the road. Don't let a failed MOT deter you; tackle it systematically and keep your vehicle in tip-top condition.
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