Failed Your MOT? Here's What to Do Next

Don't Panic

Around 1 in 4 cars fail their MOT, so you're not alone. Here's what to do:

Understanding Your Failure

Your MOT certificate (VT30) will list the reasons for failure. Each item is classified as:

• Dangerous — the vehicle is unsafe to drive. You must not drive it until repaired (except directly to a repair garage).
• Major — a standard failure that must be fixed before the vehicle can pass.
• Minor — a non-failure item, but it will be recorded and may become a major fault later.
• Advisory — something to keep an eye on. Not a failure, but worth monitoring.

Your Options

1. Get it repaired at the same garage

This is usually the simplest option. If the same garage does the repairs and retest within 10 working days, the partial retest is often free.

2. Get it repaired elsewhere

You can take the car to a different garage for repairs. You'll need to pay for a full retest (at any MOT station).

3. Leave the car at the garage

If the car has dangerous faults, you may want to leave it at the garage until repairs are done.

Free Retests

If the same testing station does the repairs, you're entitled to a free partial retest within 10 working days. This only covers the items that failed — if the tester finds new faults, they'll be added.

Can I Drive Home?

• Dangerous faults: You should not drive the car. If you must move it, drive directly to a repair garage.
• Major faults: You can drive the car, but be aware it may not be roadworthy. Your previous MOT certificate remains valid until its expiry date (if you have one).

Appeal

If you believe the test was conducted incorrectly, you can appeal to the DVSA within 14 working days.