MOT Failures: What Happens?

In the UK, an MOT test is a crucial annual check to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive. But what happens if your car doesn't pass? Understanding the MOT process and the common pitfalls can save you time, money, and potential trouble with the authorities. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT can lead to fines, and more importantly, put yourself and others at risk on the road.

Understanding the MOT Test

Since a vehicle is three years old, it is legally required to undergo an annual MOT test. This comprehensive examination assesses various components of your car to ensure it meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) oversees the MOT scheme, with approved testing centres conducting the inspections.

What Happens If Your Car Fails an MOT?

If your vehicle fails its MOT test, it will be issued with a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate'. This means your car is no longer considered roadworthy and cannot legally be driven on public roads, except to a pre-booked appointment at a garage for repairs. The MOT certificate will clearly list the reasons for the failure, categorised as 'minor defects' (advisories) or 'major defects' (failures).

Minor defects are issues that do not cause the vehicle to fail immediately but should be repaired or monitored to prevent future problems. These are often referred to as 'advisories'. While your car will still pass the MOT with advisories, it’s wise to address them proactively.

Major defects are faults that cause the vehicle to fail the MOT. These must be repaired before the vehicle can be re-tested and deemed roadworthy. Driving a vehicle with major defects can be dangerous and may result in penalties.

Common Reasons for MOT Failures

Calum Thomson, Group Aftersales Director at Macklin Motors, highlights the importance of pre-MOT checks. "To avoid any unpleasant and costly surprises, it's crucial for drivers to be aware of the potential issues that could see their vehicle fail its MOT. We recommend regular vehicle maintenance throughout the year, which will help drivers keep a better eye on the condition of their car."

In 2022, a significant 29 percent of vehicles tested failed their MOT. The most common reasons for these failures are:

Brakes

Issues with the braking system are the leading cause of MOT failures. This includes worn-out brake pads and linings. If your brake pads are under 1.5mm thick, your car will immediately fail the MOT. Beyond failing the test, worn brake pads can also damage other braking components and significantly increase stopping distances, compromising your safety.

Tyres

Worn-out tyres are another major reason for MOT failures. Tyres must meet legal tread depth requirements (a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread). Tyres with insufficient tread can increase the time needed to stop and reduce grip, especially in wet or cold conditions, leading to a potential loss of control.

Lights

Faulty or incorrectly adjusted lights are also a common reason for failure. This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicator lights. Ensuring all lights are working correctly and are properly aimed is essential for visibility and signalling to other road users.

Wiper Blades

Worn-out or split wiper blades can lead to poor visibility during rain or snow, making them a safety concern. The MOT test checks that wipers clear the windscreen effectively.

Other Common Failure Points

While brakes, tyres, lights, and wipers are the most frequent culprits, other areas checked during an MOT include:

• Suspension: Worn shock absorbers, springs, or suspension arms.
• Exhaust System: Leaks, excessive noise, or structural integrity issues.
• Steering: Play in the steering wheel, worn steering components.
• Bodywork: Significant corrosion or damage to structural parts, sharp edges posing a danger.
• Seatbelts: Faulty or damaged seatbelts.
• Emissions: The vehicle's exhaust emissions are tested to ensure they meet legal standards.

What are the Consequences of Driving with a Failed MOT?

Driving or even parking your vehicle on a public road with an expired or failed MOT is illegal. If caught by the police, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. More importantly, driving an unroadworthy vehicle is extremely dangerous. Your vehicle may have critical safety faults that could lead to an accident.

Can You Drive to a Garage After Failing an MOT?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances. You can drive your car to a pre-booked appointment at a garage for repairs immediately after it has failed its MOT. You cannot drive it for any other purpose, such as shopping or visiting friends. The vehicle must be taken directly to the repair centre. If the repairs are done at the same testing station, you might be eligible for a partial re-test, which can often be more cost-effective.

What is a Partial Re-Test?

If your vehicle fails its MOT but the necessary repairs are carried out at the same place where the test was conducted, you may be able to get a partial re-test. This usually applies if you leave the vehicle for repair and it's re-tested within one working day. In some cases, if the items that failed were minor and the vehicle passed all other aspects of the test, it might be re-tested for free. Always check with the testing centre about their re-test policy.

Preventing MOT Failures

The best way to avoid failing an MOT is through regular maintenance. As Calum Thomson advises, "This will not only increase the likelihood of you passing your MOT but may also save you money in the long run by catching any potential issues before they become a more expensive fix."

Here are some tips for proactive maintenance:

• Regularly check tyre tread depth and pressure.
• Inspect brake pads and discs for wear.
• Ensure all lights are functioning correctly.
• Check wiper blades for damage and replace them if necessary.
• Listen for unusual noises from the engine, exhaust, or suspension.
• Keep an eye on fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid).

MOT Advisories vs. Defects

It's important to understand the difference between advisories and defects. An advisory is a recommendation to repair a component that is showing signs of wear but is not yet faulty enough to fail the MOT. A defect is a fault that causes the vehicle to fail the test immediately. While advisories don't mean an immediate fail, ignoring them can lead to more significant problems and eventual failure in future MOTs.

Example Scenario: Tyre Wear

Let's say your car's tyres have a tread depth of 2mm. This would likely be noted as an advisory on your MOT certificate, as it's above the legal minimum of 1.6mm but nearing it. If the tread depth was 1mm, it would be a fail (a defect).

Example Scenario: Brake Pads

If your brake pads are 3mm thick, they might get an advisory. If they are 1mm thick, they will definitely fail the MOT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many cars failed their MOT in 2022?
In 2022, 29 percent of vehicles tested failed their MOT.

Q2: What is the most common reason for an MOT failure?
The most common reason for an MOT failure is issues with the braking system, such as worn brake pads.

Q3: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
You can only drive your car to a pre-booked MOT repair appointment at a garage. You cannot use it for any other purpose.

Q4: What happens if I'm caught driving with an invalid MOT?
You can be fined up to £1,000 by the police.

Q5: What's the difference between an MOT advisory and a failure?
An advisory is a minor issue that needs attention but doesn't cause an immediate fail. A failure is a fault that makes the vehicle unroadworthy.

By staying on top of your vehicle's maintenance and being aware of these common MOT failure points, you can significantly increase your chances of passing the test and ensure your car remains safe and legal on the road.

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