What Happens If Your Car Fails Its MOT Test?
Understanding MOT Failure
MOT test failures are more common than you might think. Each year, thousands of vehicles fail their MOT for avoidable issues. Knowing why MOT failures happen and how to deal with them can save you time, money, and stress. If your car fails its MOT, it’s essential to understand what’s legally required before you drive your car again.
Common Reasons for MOT Failures
If your vehicle has recently failed its MOT, you're not alone. Some of the most common MOT failure reasons include:
- Parking brake efficiency below the minimum requirement.
- Insecure or worn suspension components, such as anti-roll bar links.
- Worn brake pads or discs.
- Faulty or broken brake lights, headlights, and indicators.
- Tyre tread depth below the legal limit of 1.6mm.
- Visibility issues such as worn windscreen wipers or cracked windscreens.
- Faulty seat belts or anchorage points.
- Missing or damaged registration plates.
Regular vehicle maintenance is key to avoiding MOT failure. Use an MOT checklist and complete a car service before your MOT test to increase your chances of passing.
MOT Repair Quotes: What to Watch Out For
After a failed MOT test, garages may provide immediate repair quotes. While many are reputable, some might recommend unnecessary repairs that aren’t legally required to pass the MOT. This can include stripping down brake systems or inspecting unrelated areas.
As a vehicle owner, you have the right to:
Request a breakdown of any MOT-related repair quotes.
Ask for photographic evidence to verify faults.
Get a second opinion before approving work.
How MotorEasy Helps With MOT Repairs
MotorEasy makes the MOT repair process simpler and more transparent. We help you:
- Review evidence from the MOT test centre.
- Confirm whether repairs are needed to meet Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) guidelines.
- Compare costs for parts and labour.
- Access exclusive trade discounts.
This puts you back in control and helps ensure your car is safe to drive without overspending.
Avoiding Unnecessary Repairs After MOT Failure
Some garages suggest replacing brake pads and discs together, even when it’s not legally required. At MotorEasy, we evaluate each part's remaining lifespan using your MOT test mileage and service history.
For example, if your brake pads still have 6-12 months of life left, replacing them during an MOT repair may not be necessary.
Before agreeing to extra work:
- Confirm whether the part contributed to the MOT fail.
- Verify if replacement is needed to make the car safe to drive.
- Consult a professional to avoid paying for unnecessary repairs.
What to Do If Your Car Fails Its MOT
If your vehicle has failed the MOT test:
- You can only drive your car if your current valid MOT certificate hasn’t expired and the vehicle has no ‘dangerous fault’ recorded.
- Driving a car with a dangerous fault is illegal and could lead to fines, penalty points, or prosecution.
- You may leave your car at the MOT test centre for repairs or take it to another garage - but only if the vehicle is still safe to drive.
- If you return to the same MOT test centre within 10 working days, you’re eligible for a partial MOT retest (often free)
More details are available from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency at gov.uk/getting-an-mot
Know Your MOT Rights & Responsibilities
After a failed MOT test:
- You're not obligated to accept the first repair quote from the MOT centre.
- You can appeal the MOT test result if you believe it’s incorrect.
- Always ask for proof, such as images or measurements, especially for tread depth, brake lights, or seat belt faults.
- You should never drive your car if it's deemed unsafe, illegal to drive, or without a valid MOT certificate.
Book a MotorEasy MOT Test
Avoid stress and unexpected costs with MotorEasy. From MOT checklists and pre-test inspections to retests and discounted repairs, we support you at every stage of the MOT process.
