What Happens If Your Car Fails its MOT? A Guide to Repairs and Re-Tests

Getting a car MOT is required by law in the UK if your vehicle is more than three years old. The test is designed to make sure that your car is safe and roadworthy. But what happens if your car fails the MOT test? This experience can be stressful and frustrating for any driver, but it’s important to know what to expect and how to handle it. Keep reading to find out more about the repairs and re-testing process if your car fails its MOT.

Why Do Cars Fail the MOT?

There are several reasons why a car might fail when you take it for anMOT Birmingham. Some of the most common reasons include worn brake pads and discs, damaged windscreen wipers, faulty lights, defective tyres, and excessive emissions. The MOT is designed to pick up on faults or issues with your car that might compromise its safety.

What Happens if Your Car Fails?

If your car fails the MOT, you’ll be issued with a VT30 certificate, also known as a ‘failure document’. This will list all the reasons why your car has failed the test. You will need to have these problems repaired before the test can be re-done on your car. It will also include any ‘advisory’ items, which are issues that do not lead to an immediate fail but should be given some attention as they may become a bigger problem in the future.

Can You Drive Your Car if it Fails the MOT?

If your car fails the MOT, you should not drive it unless you are taking it to a garage to be repaired or for a pre-booked MOT re-test. If your car has been found to have any ‘dangerous’ faults on the MOT, it’s best to leave it at the garage that carried out the MOT to be repaired and re-tested, and not drive it at all until this process is complete. Driving a car that has failed the MOT can result in three penalty points on your driving license and a fine of up to £2,500.

What Repairs are Needed?

The repairs you will need to have done on your car will depend on the reasons why it failed the MOT. Some issues, such as a faulty taillight or a worn brake pad, for example, are quick and easy to repair and can often be done on the same day as the MOT. On the other hand, if your car has failed due to more serious issues, the repairs can be more complex and costly, and you may need to prepare for it to be in the garage for a couple of days before you can drive again. Once the repairs are complete, you will need to book an MOT re-test. You will be issued with an MOT certificate if your car passes this.

Choosing the Right Garage

It’s crucial to choose a reputable garage to carry out the necessary repairs. You can use the same garage that carried out the MOT or take your car somewhere else. Either way, ensure that the garage or mechanic is properly certified and has experience working on your make and model of car.

While failing an MOT can be frustrating and stressful, knowing how to handle this will help you ensure that your car remains legal and roadworthy.

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