Dealing With MOT Failure

Not being able to get an MOT clearance is a stressful experience for any vehicle owner. It could lead to spending more money and time on repairs. For new drivers not familiar with the nitty-gritty of MOT it can be an additional challenge.

When Will We Learn About Mot Failure?

The moment the mechanic at the garage finishes the MOT test the result is conveyed to the vehicle owner. For vehicles that pass the test, a VT20 pass certificate is filled, the test payment made and the vehicle ready to drive on the road. For those that fail the MOT test, the VT30 form is issued and the concerned mechanic will explain the cause of the failure. 

As per the MOT guidelines, there are 4 kinds of fault. i.e., advisories, minor, major and dangerous. If any of the latter two is the cause the vehicle does not clear the MOT. However, in case of advisory or minor faults even though they do not impact the MOT result, it is recommended to have them seen at the earliest.

Advisories: Those are issues found by the tester that do not qualify for a fault or are not part of the MOT checklist. These are at the discretion of the tester. However, if issued, the advisory should not be neglected and the issue must be resolved soon. 

Minor: Part of the MOT checklist that does not warrant an MOT failure. However, repairs should be done to prevent major expenses later.

Major: A serious issue that could pose a safety risk to the vehicle owner and others on the road. It leads to MOT failure and repairs need to be done immediately. 

Dangerous: A severe issue that renders the vehicle unsafe. It cannot be driven unless rectified immediately.

 Any reason that causes an MOT failure must be dealt with immediately. The vehicle is not roadworthy unless the issue is fixed.

Resolving an MOT Failure 

In case of a vehicle failing its MOT, it is best to have the vehicle serviced at the garage where the original MOT test took place. This will ensure that you get a free MOT retest as well, which is not the case if the car is taken to another garage. They will carry out repairs in those areas that caused the MOT failure. A partial retest fee is only charged if the vehicle repairs are done after 10 days of the initial MOT. A full MOT fee is charged if the vehicle is taken to a different garage for repairs.

Can a Vehicle Be Driven After a Failed Mot?

No. If a VT30 form is issued the car is no longer roadworthy unless the fault is repaired and the vehicle clears the MOT retest. An invalid MOT incurs a £1,000 fine. If a refusal certificate is found by the police with the vehicle documents it leads to an additional £2,500 fine for using a dangerous vehicle. It might also lead to losing points on your DL or a ban on driving.

How to prevent MOT Failure?

The easiest way is to do an MOT pre-test checklist to ensure all parameters are met at the time of the test. If any issues are found, get them resolved so that the vehicle clears MOT certification.