MOT Failed? What to Do Next

Your MOT Has Failed: Don't Panic, Here's What to Do

Receiving a refusal of an MOT test certificate, commonly known as failing your MOT, can be a frustrating experience. It means your vehicle doesn't meet the minimum safety and environmental standards required to be legally driven on UK roads. However, it's crucial to understand that a failed MOT is not the end of the world. This guide will walk you through your rights, the reasons for failure, and the steps you need to take to rectify the situation and get your car back on the road, legally and safely.

Understanding the MOT Test and Failure Reasons

The MOT test is an annual inspection designed to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. It covers various aspects of your car, including lights, steering, suspension, brakes, tyres, seatbelts, exhaust emissions, and body structure. Most failures are due to common issues that can be relatively inexpensive to fix, while others might point to more significant problems.

Common reasons for an MOT failure include:

• Tyres: Insufficient tread depth (below 1.6mm), cuts, bulges, or incorrect tyre types.
• Brakes: Worn brake pads or discs, leaks in the brake fluid, or inefficient braking performance.
• Lights: Malfunctioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, or indicators.
• Suspension: Worn shock absorbers, damaged springs, or loose suspension components.
• Exhaust Emissions: Excessive levels of pollutants emitted by the exhaust system.
• Visibility: Cracked or damaged windscreen, or obstructed view due to mirrors.
• Body and Structure: Significant rust or corrosion, or sharp edges posing a hazard.
• Steering: Worn steering components or issues with power steering.

What Happens Immediately After Failing?

If your vehicle fails the MOT, the testing station will issue you with a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' (VT30). This document details all the reasons why your vehicle failed. You will also be given a 'Major' or 'Dangerous' defect notice for each issue. A 'Dangerous' defect means your vehicle must not be driven until it is repaired. A 'Major' defect means it should be repaired as soon as possible.

You have a few options at this point:

1. Leave the car at the testing centre: If the failure is due to a 'Dangerous' defect, you cannot legally drive it away. You'll need to arrange for it to be towed to a garage for repairs.
2. Take the car away for repair: If the failure is only due to 'Major' defects and the existing MOT certificate is still valid, you can drive the car away. However, you must get the issues repaired before the existing MOT expires.

Your Right to a Free Partial Re-test

If your vehicle fails the MOT, you are entitled to a free partial re-test if you leave the vehicle at the testing centre for repair. The testing centre must complete the repairs and then re-test the vehicle. The re-test must be conducted within 10 working days of the original test.

Alternatively, if you choose to take your vehicle away for repair, you can bring it back to the same testing centre for a partial re-test. This must be done within one working day of the original test. If you bring it back after one working day, you will have to pay for a full MOT test again.

What if You Disagree with the MOT Result?

It's important to remember that you have the right to appeal the outcome of an MOT test if you believe the decision was incorrect. This process is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You have one month from the date of the original test to make an appeal.

The Appeals Process:

1. Contact the DVSA: You need to formally lodge your appeal with the DVSA. You can usually do this by contacting them directly or through their online portal.
2. Vehicle Inspection: The DVSA may arrange for an independent inspector to re-examine your vehicle. This inspection will usually take place at a different, authorised testing station.
3. Costs: If the independent inspection finds that your vehicle did indeed pass the original MOT test, the DVSA will refund any fees you paid for the inspection. If the independent inspection confirms the original failure, you will be liable for the cost of this inspection.
4. Outcome: The DVSA's decision is final.

It's worth noting that appeals are generally only successful if there's clear evidence that the testing station made a significant error in their assessment. Minor disagreements on interpretation are unlikely to lead to a successful appeal.

Getting Your Vehicle Repaired

Once you have the VT30 detailing the failures, you can take your vehicle to any garage for repairs. It doesn't have to be the original testing station, though it might be more convenient if they are carrying out the re-test.

When choosing a garage, consider:

• Reputation: Look for garages with good reviews and a solid reputation for honest work.
• Quotes: Get quotes for the repair work from a couple of different garages to ensure you're getting a fair price.
• Specialisation: If the failure is due to a specific component (e.g., diesel particulate filter), consider a specialist garage.

What to Do After Repairs

After the repairs have been completed, you need to get your vehicle re-tested. As mentioned earlier, if you left the car at the original testing centre, they will perform a partial re-test for free. If you took it elsewhere, you can return it to the original centre for a partial re-test within one working day, or pay for a full MOT if you miss that window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 the failure is not due to a 'Dangerous' defect. If the failure is 'Dangerous', you cannot drive it until it's repaired. If your MOT has expired, you cannot drive it at all, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.

How long do I have to get my car repaired after failing its MOT?

There's no strict time limit for repairs, but you cannot legally drive your vehicle on the road if it doesn't have a valid MOT certificate. You must get the repairs done and pass a re-test to be able to drive it legally.

What happens if I don't repair my car after failing its MOT?

If you continue to drive a vehicle that requires an MOT but doesn't have a valid certificate, you risk a significant fine and penalty points on your driving licence. The vehicle may also be seized by the police.

Can I buy parts and repair the car myself?

Yes, absolutely. If you are competent with car mechanics, you can purchase the necessary parts and carry out the repairs yourself. You will then need to present the vehicle for a re-test.

Is the VT30 the only document I get if I fail?

You will also receive a VT32 form, which details any 'Dangerous' or 'Major' defects found. This form is crucial for the repairer and for your own records.

Conclusion

Failing an MOT can seem daunting, but with the right information, it's a manageable process. Understand the reasons for failure, know your rights regarding re-tests and appeals, and choose a reputable garage for your repairs. By following these steps, you can ensure your vehicle is safe, legal, and back on the road in no time.

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