So, the day has arrived, your MOT test is here! It can be hugely disappointing if your vehicle fails its MOT test, but it’s a common occurrence with millions of vehicles failing every year.
Whilst this is not an ideal situation to find yourself in – it’s important to know what options are available to you in the event of a failed MOT and how you can get back on the road in the quickest possible way.
My Car Failed Its MOT: What Is Next?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you’ll be issued with a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT test certificate’ by the test centre. This document will have your vehicle details, MOT test number and the reasons why it didn’t pass on.
Keeping hold of this document is important as you’ll need it present for an MOT retest or an appeal.
What to do next?
The first thing you need to do is address the issues listed on the certificate and arrange for any repairs to be carried out before having your vehicle retested.
Depending on the reason for your MOT failure, there are a few different retest options available, some of these can save you any additional testing fees.
- Leave your vehicle to be fixed: The first and most popular option is to leave your vehicle with the test centre to carry out the repairs to the issues identified. If repairs are carried out within 10 working days, the test centre can do a partial retest, where they will only test the issues identified on the VT30 document.
- Bring it back within one working day: You’re entitled to take the vehicle away to be repaired and bring it back for a free partial retest at chosen garages.
- Bring it back within ten working days: If you choose to have your car repaired at a different location to where the test took place, you can take it back to the original test centre for a partial retest within 10 days of the initial test. You may be charged a partial retest fee, which tends to cost around half the cost of a full MOT test.
- After 10 working days: If you bring back your vehicle after 10 working days, you will be required to pay for a full fresh MOT test.
How do I appeal a failed MOT?
If you disagree with the MOT failure decision, the first thing you need to do is discuss the failure reasons with the test centre to clarify any potential miscommunication.
If at this point, you still feel the decision was wrongly made, there are steps you can take. In the meantime, don’t carry out any repairs or modifications on the car as this can cause the appeal process to be cancelled.
You can download a complaint form by clicking here. Fill in this form and send it across to the DVSA within 14 working days of the original test date.
My car has failed its MOT. Am I still allowed to drive it away?
It’s illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT certificate. If your car has failed and the date on your certificate has passed, you can only drive your car to be repaired or a pre-arranged MOT appointment, and only if it is completely roadworthy at all times.
Driving a vehicle with a failed MOT is never recommended and you may invalidate your insurance by doing this.
Looking to book your MOT in Nottingham?
With 6 branches to choose from in the Nottingham area. Book your MOT online today with Lindleys Autocentres, free 10-day retest included.
