Want to know if you can drive your car if it fails its MOT? It depends. You can drive it to a repair shop or MOT appointment if it’s still roadworthy. However, there are certain scenerios that can lead to fines and penalty points. In this article, we explain when and how you can drive after a failed MOT.
Key Takeaways
- Driving a car with a failed MOT is legal only if the vehicle is roadworthy and the driver is en route to a repair shop or a pre-arranged MOT appointment.
- After a failure, immediate repairs should be arranged, and a partial retest must be booked within ten working days to avoid further costs.
- Penalties for driving an unroadworthy vehicle after an MOT failure can include fines up to £2,500, points on the driver’s license, and potential insurance invalidation.
Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, the immediate question is whether or not you are allowed to drive it. This hinges on various aspects. Generally, you are legally permitted to operate the car if it’s deemed roadworthy and if your destination is a garage for repairs or an appointment that was scheduled in advance for another MOT test. Driving a vehicle with dangerous faults after failing its MOT can lead to severe legal repercussions, including penalties and points added to your driving record.
Should an accident occur while you are behind the wheel of a car that has failed its mot, this could influence insurance claims. It’s crucial to comprehend these potential outcomes to avoid any legal or financial complications.
Driving with a valid MOT certificate but failed MOT test
If your vehicle has a valid MOT test certificate, it is permissible to operate it after an MOT failure as long as there are no dangerous faults present. The presence of a valid MOT certificate indicates that at the time of its most recent examination, your vehicle complied with the essential safety criteria. Nevertheless, swiftly rectifying any problems that led to the MOT failure is crucial for maintaining the roadworthiness and safety of your vehicle.
Ignoring such issues can lead to harsh legal consequences and may invalidate your insurance coverage, especially if they concern dangerous faults. Before taking to the roads again, always ensure that your automobile meets all necessary standards for safe operation despite having a current mot certificate.
Driving without a valid MOT certificate
It is illegal to drive a car without a valid MOT certificate unless heading to a repair shop or a pre-arranged MOT appointment. After an MOT failure, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and only drive it for these specific reasons. Non-compliance can lead to prosecution, fines up to £1,000, and potential insurance invalidation.
Driving an unroadworthy vehicle after an MOT failure can incur harsher penalties, such as fines up to £2,500, a driving ban, and three penalty points. Understand these legal implications and take immediate measures after your car fails its MOT.
What steps should I take after my car fails its MOT?
Following an MOT failure, it is critical to determine the specific causes of the test’s outcome, paying special attention to any identified dangerous faults. It is imperative that you refrain from driving your car if it has been found with major or hazardous defects. Instead, focus on orchestrating the required repairs.
Provided that your car remains drivable and you possess a valid MOT certificate, you may legally drive it either back for repairs at a garage or return it directly to the original testing centre for a partial retest. Should repairing your vehicle not be an option you wish to pursue, moving forward with selling or disposing of it requires ensuring its transportation adheres to legal requirements.
Schedule the necessary repairs
It is essential to arrange repairs after your car fails its MOT. Repairs can be done at the same MOT test centre or another garage. You might be shocked to learn that about 19% of MOT failures are due to lighting and signalling issues, often from blown bulbs. Fixing these common issues is often straightforward and cost-effective.
If the car does not have dangerous faults, you can take it to another garage for repairs and then return for a partial retest. Prompt repairs help avoid further complications and legal issues.
Book a retest
Once your vehicle has undergone necessary repairs, you should proceed to schedule a retest. This must be done within ten working days following the original MOT failure. Only the defects noted in the initial test will be examined during this process. If you come back for a retest after this period has elapsed, you will need to pay the complete MOT fee.
Even if another garage carried out repair work on your vehicle, you’re entitled to go back to the first testing centre as long as it’s within these ten working days. By doing so, you can confirm that your vehicle is compliant with the required standards without going through an entire MOT test again.
Can I appeal an MOT failure?
You can appeal the decision if you think your vehicle unjustly failed its MOT. Begin by discussing the reasons for the failure with the MOT test centre. If dissatisfied, escalate the issue by appealing through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Understanding the appeal process is vital for addressing potential MOT test errors. Here are the valid grounds for appeal and the timeline for the process.
Grounds for appeal
If you are convinced that your vehicle failed incorrectly, you can dispute the MOT result. This is applicable if there’s a belief that the vehicle ought not to have been marked as failed or if the basis for failure seems unwarranted. To make your case stronger, collect all relevant documents and proof.
Approaching an appeal over an MOT result can be quite simple when grounded in legitimate concerns. Prior to lodging a formal challenge, it may be beneficial to engage in dialogue with the test centre where discrepancies could potentially be clarified and resolved informally.
Appeal process timeline
The appeal process timeline is strict and requires quick action. You must file an appeal with the DVSA within 14 working days of the MOT test. The DVSA responds to appeals within five days of submission. Following this timeline ensures prompt consideration of your appeal.
The DVSA ensures that MOT tests are fair and accurate, providing resolutions to disputed results.
What is included in an MOT test?
A full MOT test is an extensive examination designed to verify that your vehicle adheres to the required safety and environmental regulations. During this inspection, various elements, such as suspension systems, tyres, brakes, and lights, are meticulously checked. It’s important to note, though, that an MOT does not evaluate the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
Being aware of what encompasses an MOT helps prepare your vehicle for it by addressing any pre-existing issues before they can cause a failure during testing. Consistent upkeep and conducting checks prior to undergoing an MOT significantly diminish the chances of failing this assessment.
Common reasons for MOT failures
Issues with brakes, suboptimal tyre conditions, and faulty lighting are prevalent causes of vehicles failing the MOT test. Failures often stem from worn-out brake components like pads or discs. Tyres may fail due to not having enough tread depth or improper inflation.
Defective headlights or rear lights also rank high on the list of reasons that lead to an unsuccessful MOT outcome. Being cognizant of these potential problems can guide you in taking appropriate steps ahead of undergoing your vehicle’s MOT examination.
Importance of pre-MOT checks
Pre-MOT checks significantly reduce the likelihood of failing the test. Simple inspections of lights, brakes, and tyres can identify easily fixable issues that could cause an MOT failure.
Regular checks help address potential problems early, saving time and costs.
What Are the Penalties for driving a car with a failed MOT?
Operating a vehicle that has failed its MOT can lead to stringent consequences, including fines as high as £2,500, the possibility of a driving ban, and the imposition of three penalty points.
Fines and penalty points
Driving a failed MOT car, especially if unroadworthy, can result in fines up to £1,000 and points on your license. If caught, you could face prosecution and more severe penalties, including fines up to £2,500, a driving ban, and three penalty points.
These consequences emphasise the importance of ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and have a valid MOT certificate before driving.
Insurance implications
Operating a vehicle that has not passed its MOT can impact your insurance policy. If you are in an accident while driving a car deemed unworthy, it could nullify your insurance, leading to significant financial responsibilities and problems.
Ensuring your vehicle passes the MOT and swiftly rectifies any issues is crucial for preserving legitimate insurance coverage and avoiding foreseeable troubles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car immediately after it fails its MOT?
You may drive your car immediately after it fails its MOT if it is roadworthy and you are en route to a repair shop or scheduled MOT appointment.
What are the common reasons for MOT failures?
Common reasons for MOT failures include brake issues, poor tyre conditions, and lighting problems. Addressing these issues proactively can help ensure your vehicle passes the inspection.
How soon can I book a partial retest after my car fails its MOT?
You can book a partial retest within ten working days after your car fails its MOT.
It is advisable to arrange this promptly to avoid any complications.
What are the penalties for driving a car with a failed MOT?
Operating a vehicle that has not passed its MOT can incur fines of up to £2,500, potentially lead to a driving ban, and add three penalty points to your licence.
Maintaining your car in good condition is essential to prevent these significant consequences.
Conclusion
Every car owner must understand the implications and necessary steps to take after a vehicle fails its MOT test. Driving a vehicle that has not passed its MOT can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, including fines, points on your driving license, and issues with your insurance coverage.
At All Vehicle Services (AVS), our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive MOT testing, along with FREE retests and thorough inspections. Ensuring that your car meets road safety standards and successfully passes the MOT will help you avoid these potential problems and ensure your safety while driving.
