If your MOT (Ministry of Transport) test fails, you have three main options: get the repairs done at the test centre, take your car to another garage, or drive it home if it’s safe and your current MOT is still valid. You’re not legally required to fix it on the spot.
Failing an MOT feels stressful—but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing your options helps you act quickly and avoid unnecessary costs.
What Happens Right After an MOT Failure?
When your car fails, the tester gives you a VT30 refusal certificate. This document lists every fault found during the test.
Faults are split into three categories:
- Dangerous: Your car poses an immediate risk. You must not drive it until repaired.
- Major: A serious defect that must be fixed before your car can pass.
- Minor (advisory): Not a fail item, but worth monitoring or fixing soon.
Read your VT30 carefully. It tells you exactly what failed and why—so you know what repairs you actually need.
Can You Still Drive After a Failed MOT?
It depends on your current MOT status and the type of failure.
If your existing MOT certificate is still valid, you can legally drive your car on public roads—unless the tester marks it as “dangerous.” In that case, driving it is illegal and risky.
If your MOT expired on the day of the test, you cannot legally drive away (except to a pre-booked repair appointment). Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and could void your insurance.
Should You Get Repairs Done at the Test Centre?
You have the right to take your car elsewhere for repairs. You’re never obligated to use the test centre’s garage.
That said, there is one practical benefit: if repairs are completed at the same centre within 10 working days, you may qualify for a partial retest at a reduced fee rather than paying the full MOT cost again.
Compare quotes before deciding. For straightforward fixes, the test centre can be convenient. For more complex repairs, a specialist garage may offer better value.
How Much Do MOT Repairs Typically Cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the fault. Here’s a rough breakdown of common repair costs in the UK:
- Windscreen wiper replacement: £10–£30
- Brake pad replacement: £80–£150 per axle
- Tyre replacement: £50–£200 per tyre (depending on size and brand)
- Exhaust repair/replacement: £100–£400
- Suspension work: £150–£500+
Get at least two quotes for major repairs. Prices between garages can differ significantly, even for the same job.
What If You Disagree With the MOT Result?
You have the right to appeal a failed MOT result. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) within 14 days of the test to request a review.
The DVSA will re-examine your vehicle. If the original tester made an error, you may receive a refund of the test fee. Note: this process is for genuine disputes, not for avoiding legitimate repairs.
How to Avoid Future MOT Failures
A few simple habits can significantly reduce your chances of failing again.
Check these before every MOT:
- Tyre tread depth: The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a 20p coin to check—if the outer band is visible, your tyres are likely too worn.
- Lights: Walk around your car and check every bulb is working, including brake lights.
- Windscreen: Look for chips or cracks larger than 10mm in the driver’s line of vision.
- Fluid levels: Top up oil, coolant, and screen wash before the test.
- Horn: Test it. It sounds obvious, but it’s a common minor fail.
Booking a pre-MOT check with your garage is also a smart move. A mechanic can flag issues before the official test, giving you time to fix them without the pressure of a ticking clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a failed MOT mean my car is dangerous to drive?
Not always. Only “dangerous” faults prevent you from driving legally. If your car has “major” faults but your current MOT is valid, you can drive it—though repairs are required before you can pass.
How long do I have to fix a failed MOT?
There’s no strict legal deadline, but you cannot drive your car with an expired MOT. If your MOT was still valid at the time of the failed test, you have until its expiry date to get repairs done and retest.
Will I pay for a full MOT retest?
If the repairs are done at the original test centre within 10 working days, you’ll typically pay a partial retest fee. A full retest is needed if you go elsewhere or wait longer than 10 days.
Can I sell a car that has failed its MOT?
Yes, you can legally sell a car without a valid MOT. However, you must disclose the failure to the buyer. Selling it without mentioning known faults can have legal consequences.
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What to Do If Your MOT Fails | AN Tyres
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Failed your MOT? Find out what your VT30 means, whether you can still drive, how much repairs cost, and how to avoid failing again.