A little over 30% of vehicles fail their MOT test, when taken to the authorised test centres for the first time. With these results, it’s easy to assume that car owners don’t care for their vehicles. However, it’s more the case that they don’t maintain their cars in line with the minimum requirements of the Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Most people assume that their car maintenance routine would be enough to ace the MOT. Sadly, they get a refusal certificate for things they could have easily fixed before going to the test centre. If you are wondering what to do if your car fails MOT, or perhaps, you’re already in that boat, then read on.
MOT: What is it?
The Ministry of Transport test (MOT) is the government’s mandatory initiative to ensure car owners drive safe cars for both the owners and other road users. It’s done annually, so the MOT certificate is valid from the issue date to the next 365 days. Furthermore, MOT records are available for up to 10 years, so you can check a car’s MOT history if the need arises.
The DVSA has authorised over 20,000 MOT centres across the UK to ensure vehicle owners have easy access to its mandatory annual test. Unless your car is new (under three years old) or is MOT exempt, you must have an MOT certificate if you want to drive your car on public roads. If you drive without an MOT certificate, you’ll be fined and could have your insurance claim nullified if you’re involved in an auto accident.
Why makes a car fail its MOT?
Understand that there might be a difference between your standard of car care and the DVSA’s standard. It’s okay if your standard is higher. It may, however, lead to a failed MOT if your standard is lower, so you should bear in mind the DVSA requirements as you care for your car. The following are the common check and why a car can fail MOT.
- Lights: If one or more light is broken or doesn’t work properly. Every light on your vehicle is important and can lead to MOT failure if not working properly.
- The plates: If the information on the plate is no longer legible or is altered, or the format doesn’t abide by regulations.
- Wipers and washers: If the wipers no longer work in readiness for weather changes and perhaps, obstruct the driver’s view.
- Vehicle Identification Number: If the car’s VIN is tampered with or covered.
- Fuel system: There must be no leaks, and the fuel cap must seal.
- Exhaust: If emissions from the exhaust are clearly polluting the environment or there are major leakages.
- Body: If there’s the visible presence of severe damage, excessive corrosion, and sharp edges.
- Doors: If doors don’t open/close properly.
- Mirrors: If your mirrors are broken or don’t provide a clear view of the sides and rear to the driver.
- Wheels and tires: If tires aren’t secure, or aren’t the recommended size, or have visible signs of deterioration, or the tread is less than 1.6mm.
- Steering and suspension: If severe damage or excessive corrosion is noticed on the springs.
- Windscreen: If the windscreen has chips or cracks that can impair vision. Any damage on a windscreen more than 10mm in the driver’s line of vision or 40mm on the other area of the windscreen can make your car fail MOT.
- Horn: if the sound of the horn is not loud enough or is breaking.
- Seat belts: If seat belts have signs of wear, cuts, or patches and are also too weak to secure passengers.
- Brakes: if your brake pads are below the legal requirements, i.e., 1.5mm. Also, ABS and check engine lights must not be on your dashboard.
What will happen if my car fails MOT?
You, the owner of the vehicle, will be issued a refusal or VT30 that’ll automatically prevent your car from returning to active use until the exceptions raised have been fixed. The certificate will show the reason your car failed.
It’s illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT, so you may not be allowed to drive your vehicle away unless you go to a repair garage. This is for your good, as a car with a failed MOT isn’t safe to drive. It can also cause your insurance provider to nullify your claims if an accident happens.
What To Do If Your Car Fails Its MOT
You can take these actions if your car fails its MOT.
Fix the car at the test centre
Usually, the test centres are car repair garages. Choosing this option means you can save yourself the stress of driving it elsewhere and also avoid further problems such as an auto accident. If the repairs are done within 10 working days, you don’t have to pay for another test, and you’ll get a fresh MOT certificate once the issues are sorted.
Take it elsewhere for repair
Perhaps, if you have a trusted garage, you may be allowed to take your car there depending on several conditions (available on the DVSA website). The catch here is that you’ll no longer have 10 days but only 24 hours to bring it back for free testing. Still, if you can return it within 10 days, the retest will only cost you half the standard price. If you return to the test centre after 10 working days or to another MOT centre, you’ll have to pay for a full check.
You can appeal against the failed test
If you feel the tester was unfair, you’re within your rights to file an appeal. You’re expected to keep the car in the condition it was at the time of the MOT check. You can’t modify, fix, or drive it otherwise, the appeal will be nullified.
An appeal can be initiated by sending a complaint form to DVSA. You should do so within 14 working days, counting from the day the first test was done. Also, note that appeal isn’t free as you will have to pay for the MOT test to be retaken. However, you’ll get a refund if your appeal is successful.
