What to Do if Your Car Has Failed Its MOT

Failing an MOT can be both unsettling and inconvenient. The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a thorough assessment of your car’s safety, and a failed test means your vehicle didn’t meet the necessary standards to ensure safe driving. But what does this really mean, and what are your next steps?

What Does It Mean if My Car Fails Its MOT?

When your car fails its MOT, it signifies that certain parts or systems have not met the standards required by law.

Upon failure, the test centre issues a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate, which details the exact reasons for the failure. This certificate serves a critical purpose as it outlines the faults that need rectifying and also indicates that the vehicle is currently unsafe to drive on public roads. It’s essential to hold onto this certificate because you’ll need it for the retest, or in case you wish to appeal the decision.

For first-time tests, government statistics reveal that approximately 28% of vehicles fail, underscoring the need for regular maintenance and checks. If your car is one of these, don’t be disheartened—knowing the cause and taking prompt action are the first steps toward a resolution.

At this point, you have two options:

Repair and retest
Sell or scrap your vehicle

Can I Legally Drive My Car if It Fails?

Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is illegal in the UK, with penalties that include fines or even prosecution. However, there are exceptions.

If your current MOT certificate has expired and your car has failed, you’re only permitted to drive it for repairs or to a pre-arranged MOT appointment. The car, however, must still be in a roadworthy condition to be driven, as operating a vehicle deemed dangerous carries additional risks and potential legal consequences.

It’s worth noting that a failed MOT highlights significant safety concerns. When a vehicle fails, it’s because aspects critical to safety or emissions control haven’t met regulatory standards. Ignoring these issues and driving could endanger both yourself and others on the road.

How Can I Prepare for an MOT Retest?

After a failure, you have several options for getting a retest, depending on the type and severity of the issues identified. If you choose to have the car repaired at the same test centre, you may be eligible for a partial retest, which focuses only on the components that caused the failure. Completing repairs within ten working days often allows for this type of retest, which can save you time and, in some cases, reduce retest costs.

Another option is to take the car away for repairs and bring it back to the original test centre for a free partial retest within one working day. However, this option is typically reserved for non-dangerous issues, as serious faults may require immediate resolution.

If you need more time, returning the car within ten days for a retest remains an option but may incur a fee close to half of the original test charge. If you miss the ten-day window, a full MOT test and fee will be required.

What Are the Common Causes of MOT Failures and How Can I Avoid Them?

Understanding common reasons for MOT failures can help you prepare your vehicle and avoid unnecessary surprises. The most frequent causes include issues with:

Lights and indicators
Brake systems
Tyres
Suspension

These components are heavily scrutinised during the test as they directly affect road safety.

Preventive maintenance is the most effective way to minimise the likelihood of a failed MOT. Regularly check lights, replace worn-out tyres, and ensure brakes function correctly. Performing these checks ahead of your test can help avoid simple failures.

Consider also inspecting your car’s wipers and fluid levels—often overlooked yet essential areas that could lead to failure if not maintained.

Is There a Way to Appeal a Failed MOT Decision?

If you believe your MOT test was unfairly failed, there is a structured appeals process through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Start by speaking with the test centre to understand their reasoning; sometimes, a discussion can clarify potential misunderstandings. If this does not resolve the issue and you still believe the failure is unjust, you may submit an appeal to the DVSA.

To proceed, fill out the “Complaint about an MOT” form within 14 days of your test date, ensuring you do not alter or repair the vehicle in the meantime. The DVSA will then arrange a follow-up test to reassess your car, typically within five days. Note that you’ll need to pay for the retest upfront, but if the appeal is successful, a full or partial refund will be issued.

Scrapping Your Failed MOT Car

In the unfortunate event that your car fails its MOT and you are unable to repair it, you can still get paid for an unroadworthy vehicle by scrapping your car.

The Scrap Car Company serves the entire UK, scrapping vehicles without an MOT. Regardless of the condition of the vehicle you can get paid. Simply use our scrap car calculator and we can arrange free car collection at a time that suits you.

Get your car scrapped today!