What to do if your car has failed its MOT
Official DVSA figures show that 37% of vehicles fail their MOT test the first time. If your car failed its MOT test, you will be told what caused the issue and what you need to do to fix it.
Below is a simple breakdown of what happens next, your options for a retest, and how to appeal an MOT decision if you think something isn’t right.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails, you’ll receive a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate. This document lists all the reasons your vehicle didn’t meet the required safety standards.
A VT30 means:
- Your car is not legally roadworthy
- You must fix the issues before driving it again
- You’ll need the VT30 for your MOT retest or if you choose to appeal
Keep the certificate safe, you’ll need it.
Can I still drive my car after an MOT failure?
In most cases, no.
Driving without a valid MOT is illegal unless you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test, or you are driving to a garage for repairs, and the car is still roadworthy.
Driving a car that has failed its MOT can be dangerous and may lead to fines or legal action. Take a look at our article on driving without an MOT. Start by understanding what's checked in an MOT and learn how you can combat common causes of test failure.
Taking an MOT retest
Depending on the cause of your MOT failure, you have a few options for a retest. The good news is that for some of them, you won’t need to pay any additional costs.
Your MOT retest options
Depending on the type of failure and where you get repairs done, you may be eligible for a free or reduced-cost retest.
1. Leave the car at the test centre for repairs
If the MOT centre also does repairs, you can ask them to fix the issues. If repairs are completed within 10 working days, you’ll get a partial retest covering only the failed items.
2. Bring it back within 1 working day
You may be allowed to take the car away for repairs and return it within one day for a free partial retest. This is only allowed if the faults are not classed as dangerous. Your MOT tester will explain this, but you can find a full list of acceptable reasons why you can drive away and return for your retest on the DVSA website.
3. Bring it back within 10 working days
If you repair the car elsewhere, you can return it to the same test centre within 10 working days for a partial retest, usually at a reduced fee (often around half the MOT price).
4. After 10 working days
If you return after 10 working days, you’ll need a full MOT test and will be charged the full fee.
How to appeal against a failed MOT test
If you believe your car was unfairly failed:
1. Speak to the MOT test centre first
Most issues come down to misunderstanding or miscommunication.
2. Keep the car in the same condition
Do not repair or modify the car before the appeal; doing so will cancel the process.
3. Submit a DVSA complaint form
You’ll need to complete a “Complain about an MOT” form and send it to the DVSA within 14 working days of the test.
You’ll be offered a retest within 5 days.
You must pay for this retest upfront, but if your appeal is successful, you’ll receive a full or partial refund.
Join Halfords Motoring Club
Don’t delay, organise your MOT with your trusted Halfords garage today. Nobody wants to deal with the consequences of an expired MOT, so use our checklist to prepare your car, and you’re much more likely to pass first time.
Plus, with Halfords Motoring Club you can get £5 off of your next MOT. Or treat yourself and upgrade to our Premium membership for an included MOT in your annual subscription cost.
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