19/06/2020
Understanding Your MOT Failure: What Next?
The MOT test is a crucial annual check for vehicles over three years old, ensuring they meet essential road safety and environmental standards. It's a legal requirement, managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), designed to keep you and other road users safe. But what happens if your beloved vehicle doesn't quite make the grade? Failing your MOT can be a source of anxiety, but understanding the process and your options can alleviate much of the stress. This guide will walk you through what to expect if your car fails its MOT, the common reasons for failure, and how to get it back on the road swiftly and safely.
The Immediate Aftermath of an MOT Failure
If your car fails its MOT, you'll receive a refusal of an MOT test certificate. This document will clearly outline the reasons for failure, detailing any 'dangerous' or 'major' defects that need to be addressed. Importantly, 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 test appointment. Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT can lead to fines, penalty points, and even your vehicle being seized by the police. Therefore, it's vital to arrange for the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Reasons for MOT Failure: Common Culprits
The MOT test covers a wide range of checks, and failures can occur for numerous reasons. Understanding these common issues can help you be more proactive in maintaining your vehicle. Here are some of the most frequent causes for an MOT failure:
Lighting and Signalling:
This is a very common area for failure. It includes issues such as:
- Headlights that are misaligned, too dim, or the wrong colour.
- Broken or missing rear lights, brake lights, or indicators.
- Malfunctioning fog lights or reverse lights.
- Incorrectly fitted or obscured number plate lights.
Brakes:
The braking system is paramount for safety. Failures here can include:
- Worn or damaged brake pads and discs.
- Leaking brake fluid or a malfunctioning brake pedal (too spongy or too low).
- Issues with the parking brake (handbrake) not holding the vehicle effectively.
- Problems with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light.
Tyres:
Tyres are your only contact with the road. They must be in good condition. Common tyre-related failures include:
- Tyres with tread depths below the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread.
- Tyres with cuts, bulges, or other damage to the sidewall.
- Incorrect tyre types fitted or mismatched tyres on the same axle.
- Under or over-inflated tyres.
Visibility:
Your ability to see the road, and for others to see you, is critical. This encompasses:
- Damage to the windscreen that obstructs the driver's view (e.g., cracks larger than 10mm in the driver's direct line of sight).
- Worn or damaged windscreen wiper blades that don't clear the screen effectively.
- Faulty windscreen washer jets that don't spray water.
Structure and Body:
The structural integrity of your vehicle is tested. Failures can result from:
- Significant corrosion in critical areas, such as the chassis, suspension mounts, or steering components.
- Sharp edges or projections that could injure pedestrians.
- Loose or damaged body panels.
Other Common Issues:
Beyond these major categories, other frequent failure points include:
- Exhaust emissions that exceed legal limits.
- Problems with the suspension system (e.g., worn shock absorbers, damaged springs).
- Steering issues (e.g., worn steering joints, excessive play).
- Seatbelt defects (e.g., worn or damaged seatbelts, malfunctioning pre-tensioners).
- Horn not working or being the wrong type.
- Doors that don't open or close properly from both the inside and outside.
The Repair Process: Getting Back on the Road
Once your vehicle has failed its MOT, you have a few options for getting the necessary repairs done. Your MOT test centre will likely offer to carry out the repairs for you. If you choose to have the repairs done at the same centre where your vehicle failed its MOT, you can benefit from a free partial re-test. This means that certain items that failed will be re-tested without charge, provided you leave the vehicle at the centre for repair and the re-test is carried out within 10 working days of the original failure.
Alternatively, you can take your car to another garage for repairs. In this scenario, you will need to book a full, new MOT test once the repairs are completed. It's essential to ensure that all the issues highlighted in the failure report are rectified before presenting the car for a re-test.
Choosing a Repair Centre
When selecting a garage for your MOT repairs, consider the following:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Expertise | Look for a garage with experienced and qualified technicians, particularly those familiar with your car's make and model. |
| Equipment | Ensure the garage has the latest diagnostic equipment and tools necessary for accurate fault finding and repair. |
| Parts | Using genuine manufacturer parts or high-quality equivalent parts is crucial for the longevity and performance of your vehicle. |
| Reputation | Check online reviews and ask for recommendations to gauge the garage's reliability and customer service. |
| Transparency | A good garage will provide a clear, itemised quote for repairs before starting any work and will keep you informed throughout the process. |
The Re-test: Proving Roadworthiness
Once the repairs have been completed, your vehicle will need to undergo a re-test to prove it now meets the required standards. As mentioned, if you had the repairs done at the original test centre, you might be eligible for a free partial re-test. This re-test will focus on the items that caused the initial failure. If your vehicle passes the re-test, you will be issued with a new MOT certificate, and you can legally drive your car again.
Preventative Maintenance: The Best Defence
The most effective way to avoid the stress and inconvenience of an MOT failure is through regular, proactive maintenance. By keeping on top of your car's servicing and addressing minor issues before they become major problems, you can significantly increase your chances of passing your MOT with flying colours.
Key Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Servicing: Follow your car manufacturer's recommended service schedule. A comprehensive service often includes many of the checks performed during an MOT.
- Tyre Checks: Regularly inspect your tyres for wear, damage, and correct inflation pressure.
- Fluid Levels: Keep an eye on essential fluid levels, including brake fluid, oil, coolant, and washer fluid.
- Lights: Periodically check that all your car's lights are working correctly.
- Brakes: Listen for any unusual noises when braking and be aware of any changes in brake pedal feel.
- Windscreen Wipers: Ensure your wipers are in good condition and clear the screen effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I drive my car if it has failed its MOT?
You can only drive your car if it has failed its MOT to a pre-booked appointment for repair or to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. Driving it for any other reason is illegal.
Q2: 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 choose a partial re-test at the same centre, it must be within 10 working days of the original failure.
Q3: What is the difference between a 'minor' and a 'major' defect?
Minor defects are advisory and do not cause an MOT failure, but they should be repaired soon. Major defects mean your car has failed the MOT and must be repaired. Dangerous defects also mean failure and require immediate repair before driving.
Q4: What happens if I don't agree with the MOT failure?
If you believe your car has been failed incorrectly, you can appeal the decision to the DVSA within 28 days of the test. However, you will need to present your vehicle for a second opinion within 10 working days of the original test, and you may have to pay for this second test unless the original decision is overturned.
Q5: Can I drive my car if it has an expired MOT?
No, it is illegal to drive a vehicle with an expired MOT certificate, except when driving it to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.
Conclusion
Failing an MOT is never ideal, but with a clear understanding of the process and by choosing a reputable garage for your repairs, you can get your vehicle back on the road safely and efficiently. Remember, preventative maintenance is key to avoiding the stress of an MOT failure. By staying vigilant with your car's upkeep, you not only ensure its roadworthiness but also contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.
If you want to read more articles similar to What Happens If Your Car Fails Its MOT?, you can visit the MOT category.