In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for cars over three years old to pass an annual MOT, as it ensures that your vehicle is safe to drive. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your car may fail the test. When this happens, it can be frustrating, but understanding what steps to take next is key to getting your vehicle back on the road safely and efficiently. Here’s what you need to know if your car fails its MOT test and how to handle the process with confidence.

Understanding the Reasons for Failure

When your car fails its MOT, you will be given a ‘VT30’ certificate, which outlines the reasons for failure. These can range from minor issues like faulty bulbs to more serious problems like brake failures or dangerous structural issues. The MOT test will categorise faults into three types:

• Minor defects: These don’t result in an MOT failure but should be repaired as soon as possible.
• Major defects: These cause a failure and must be fixed before the car can pass the MOT.
• Dangerous defects: These are serious problems that make your car unsafe to drive. You must repair these immediately and cannot drive the car until it’s fixed.

Can You Drive a Car That Has Failed Its MOT?

If your car has failed due to a dangerous defect, driving it is illegal, and you could face fines or penalty points on your licence. Your vehicle must remain off the road until the necessary repairs are made.

However, if your car fails with a major defect but your previous MOT certificate is still valid, you can drive it away from the testing centre to have it repaired, but only if the car is roadworthy. Keep in mind, if you’re stopped by the police and the car is deemed unsafe, you could still face penalties.

What Are Your Options After a Failure?

If your car fails its MOT, you have several options:

• Immediate Repairs: Most garages that offer MOT testing can also repair your vehicle on-site. This is often the most convenient option, as they can fix the issues and retest your car without you needing to move it. Many garages offer a free or reduced-cost retest within 10 working days if they complete the repairs.
• Take Your Car Elsewhere: You can take your car to another garage for repairs if you prefer. However, you will need to ensure the car is safe to drive or arrange for it to be towed if it’s unsafe.

What Is a Partial Retest?

If you fail your MOT and leave your car at the same garage for repairs, they will usually conduct a partial retest for free or at a reduced cost. A partial retest means they’ll only check the parts that caused the failure, saving you time and money.

If you take the car away for repairs but return within 10 working days, you can still qualify for a partial retest at the same garage. If you take longer than 10 working days or bring your car to a different testing centre, a full MOT test may be required.

The Importance of Prompt Repairs

If your car fails its MOT, it’s important to address the faults as soon as possible, especially if they are serious safety issues. Ignoring them not only leaves you with a car that’s unfit for the road but can also lead to hefty fines if you’re caught driving a vehicle that’s failed its MOT.

Timely repairs ensure that your car is roadworthy and can pass the MOT on a retest, saving you from further inconvenience and expense.

What Are the Costs?

The cost of repairs will depend on the nature of the faults identified during the MOT test. Simple repairs like replacing a bulb or fixing windscreen wipers are relatively inexpensive. However, more complex issues such as brake repairs or emissions-related faults could be more costly.

MOT retests are generally free if the repairs are carried out at the same garage and within the 10-day retest period. If you take the car elsewhere or delay the retest, you may need to pay for a full MOT test again.

How to Avoid MOT Failure

While some failures are unavoidable, regular vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce the chances of your car failing its MOT. Here are some tips:

• Check your lights: Make sure all lights, including indicators, are working correctly.
• Inspect tyres: Ensure your tyres meet the legal tread depth requirement of 1.6mm and are free of damage.
• Test your brakes: If your brakes feel spongy or make unusual noises, get them checked before the MOT.
• Clean your windscreen and wipers: Make sure there are no chips in the driver’s view, and replace any worn wipers.

Keeping up with routine services not only increases the likelihood of passing your MOT but also ensures your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy all year round.

FRM Automotive – Leading Car Garage in Peterborough

Failing an MOT test isn’t the end of the road. With a clear understanding of why your car failed and a plan to address the faults, you can quickly get your vehicle back to a safe and legal condition. At FRM Automotive, we offer comprehensive MOT services and repairs to help get you back on the road with minimum hassle. If your car has failed its MOT or is due for one, get in touch with our expert team today. Please give us a call on 01733 333838. We also have an online enquiry form that you can complete, and a member of our team will be in contact with you as soon as possible.