Failure to pass a MOT test is an unpleasant experience for any vehicle owner. The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test in the United Kingdom guarantees that cars meet environmental and safety regulations. However, it is very rare for vehicles to fail the test due to various problems. You don’t need to worry if your vehicle has failed its MOT. This article will walk you through the actions you need to follow if your car fails its MOT and how to get it back on the road legally and safely.
What is an MOT?
MOT (Ministry of Transport) is a certificate issued by the government of the UK that declares your vehicle roadworthy. If you want to drive on the road legally in the UK, you need to have an MOT certificate.
What are the MOT Failures?
MOT test failures occur when a vehicle fails to fulfil the required safety and environmental criteria during the UK’s statutory MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. MOT test centres in the UK divided faults into three categories:
- Minor Faults
- Major Faults
- Dangerous Faults
If your vehicle has major and dangerous faults, it will result in an MOT failure, while minor faults only require quick repairs, not leading to MOT failure.
Minor Faults
Minor faults denote a condition that does not cause significant risks but needs repairs, service, or replacement. With these faults, your vehicle will still obtain its MOT certificate, but you should have the issues repaired as soon as possible.
Major Faults
Major faults are more serious concerns that endanger the vehicle’s or the environment’s safety. If a vehicle has one or more serious flaws during the MOT test, the test will fail. To drive the car on the road, you must repair the flaws and retest the vehicle.
Dangerous Faults
The most significant errors discovered during the MOT test are classified as dangerous faults. These faults pose a serious and immediate safety danger to drivers and other road users. If a vehicle fails the MOT test due to a dangerous defect, the owner is not permitted to drive the vehicle until the problems are remedied and the car passes a retest.
Vehicle owners must constantly maintain their cars to reduce the possibility of MOT failures and protect the safety of everyone on the road. The MOT test is intended to keep cars roadworthy and to promote safer driving standards in the United Kingdom.
Can You Drive Your Car if it Fails the MOT?
In most cases, it is critical not to drive your car if it has failed the MOT test without a valid MOT certificate. Driving your vehicle is strongly discouraged if it has been marked with dangerous faults during the inspection, and quick repairs are suggested. Aside from the enormous safety risk that driving with hazardous flaws poses to you and other road users, there are serious consequences, including penalty points on your license, fines of up to £2,500, and the prospect of a driving suspension. To protect the safety of everyone on the road, it is critical to prioritise safety, follow the law, and remedy any faults discovered during the MOT test as soon as possible.
What to DO in Case of an MOT Failure
If your vehicle fails the MOT test, follow these guidelines:
Comprehend the Failure Reasons
The first step is to analyse the MOT test report and comprehend the failure reasons. The report will include any minor, major, or dangerous faults discovered throughout the inspection. Understanding these defects can assist you in determining the severity of the problem.
Request a Detailed Explanation
Contact the MOT test centre if you’re confused about the reasons for failure or want further clarity. They will be able to provide you with a full explanation of the faults discovered during the examination.
Make a Repair Decision
Once you’ve identified the faults, decide how to make the repairs. Minor defects frequently demand easy repairs, which you may address yourself or with the assistance of an expert. While major and dangerous flaws should be handled by specialists to ensure the vehicle’s safety.
Schedule Repairs
Make an appointment with a qualified technician to schedule the required repairs. Provide them with the MOT test report to ensure they completely repair any reported defects. Remember that you are not required to complete the repairs at the same test centre where your vehicle failed the MOT. You are allowed to select another facility for the repairs.
Rebook the MOT Test
Once the repairs are finished, it is time to rebook the MOT test. Some garages provide a free or cheap retest within a certain duration, so ask about it to save money. Before retesting the vehicle, double-check that all repairs are made appropriately.
Maintain Legal Limits
If your prior MOT has expired, you must not drive the vehicle until it has passed a retest or any necessary repairs have been completed. Driving without an MOT certificate is illegal and can result in fines and penalties.
Be Prepared for the Retest
Before taking your vehicle for a retest, perform a detailed inspection to confirm that all essential repairs have been made. Examine the lights, brakes, tires, suspension, and other components that failed the MOT earlier. This step will improve your chances of passing the retest.
Conclusion
You don’t need to worry in case of an MOT test failure. You can quickly get your vehicle back on the road legally and safely by recognising the causes of failure, making the necessary repairs, and following the correct procedures. Regular vehicle maintenance and fixing minor defects as soon as possible will help prevent further MOT failures, ensuring your vehicle stays roadworthy. Remember that your vehicle’s safety should always come first, and the MOT test is important in making our roads safer for everyone.
