For most UK drivers, the MOT test is a routine but essential part of car ownership. It ensures that vehicles meet minimum road safety and environmental standards, helping to keep both drivers and pedestrians safe. However, not all cars pass the MOT test on the first attempt. If your vehicle fails, you might be wondering: What happens next?
Understanding the MOT retest process can save you time, money, and frustration. This guide explains why vehicles fail, what your options are after a failed MOT, and how to avoid common failures in the future.
Why do vehicles fail the MOT test?
MOT failures can happen for various reasons, but they are generally categorized as dangerous, major, or minor faults.
- Dangerous Faults – The most serious type of failure. Your car is deemed unsafe to drive, and you cannot take it away until repairs are made.
- Major Faults – These do not make your car immediately unsafe, but they must be fixed before your vehicle can pass the MOT. You may be able to drive it away if your previous MOT certificate is still valid.
- Minor Faults – These do not cause an MOT failure, but they are advisory warnings that should be addressed soon to maintain your car’s condition.
Common MOT failures include:
- Worn-out brake pads and discs
- Faulty lights, indicators, or bulbs
- Worn tyres with low tread depth
- Excessive exhaust emissions
- Cracked windscreens that obstruct the driver’s view
If your car fails, you will receive a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’, which details the reasons for failure.
How to Check MOT and Tax Status?
Before taking your car for an MOT test, it’s important to check if your MOT and road tax are up to date. Driving without a valid MOT certificate or road tax can result in fines, penalty points, or even your vehicle being seized.
The easiest way to check your tax and mot status for free:
Use Auto Experts for a Free MOT & Tax Check
- If you want a quick and hassle-free way to check your MOT and tax status, visit Auto Experts.
- Simply enter your vehicle registration number to get instant details on MOT validity, tax status, and more—all for free.
Regularly checking your MOT and tax status helps you avoid fines and unexpected surprises before heading to the test centre.
What are your options after an MOT failure?
If your car fails its MOT, you have a few options depending on the type of faults and where you had the test done.
1. Leave your car for repairs at the MOT test centre
If your vehicle has failed due to major or dangerous faults, many garages will allow you to have the necessary repairs done on-site. Once fixed, the car can be retested for free or at a reduced price, depending on the garage’s policy.
- Some garages offer a free retest if you leave the vehicle for repairs and get it retested within 10 working days.
- Others may charge a partial retest fee, which is usually lower than a full MOT test.
2. Take your car away for repairs and return for a retest
If your car has a major fault but is still roadworthy, you may be allowed to drive it away to another garage for repairs. However, if your previous MOT certificate has expired, you are not legally allowed to drive the car except to a repair centre or for a pre-arranged retest.
- If you return for a retest within 10 working days, you may only need a partial retest, which costs less than a full test.
- If you delay beyond 10 working days, you will need to pay for a full MOT again.
3. Scrap the car or sell it for repairs
If the repair costs are too high, some owners choose to sell the vehicle for parts or scrap it entirely. You can also sell it to a mechanic or dealership that specializes in fixing and reselling cars with MOT failures.
MOT retest fees: How much will it cost?
The cost of an MOT retest depends on how soon you bring the car back and where the repairs were done. Here’s a general breakdown:
✅ Free retest – If the vehicle fails on minor issues and is retested within one working day at the same garage.
✅ Partial retest fee (Usually Half Price) – If you fix the faults and return within 10 working days at the same test centre.
✅ Full retest fee – If you delay beyond 10 working days or take the car to a different MOT centre for the retest.
How to avoid failing an MOT in the first place?
While some failures are unavoidable, many are due to simple maintenance issues that could be fixed in advance. Here’s how you can improve your chances of passing the first time:
🔹 Check your lights – Replace any faulty bulbs and ensure all indicators, brake lights, and headlights are working properly.
🔹 Inspect tyres – Ensure your tyres have at least 1.6mm tread depth and are in good condition.
🔹 Top up fluids – Refill engine oil, brake fluid, and screen wash to the correct levels.
🔹 Test brakes and handbrake – If you notice reduced braking performance, get them checked before the MOT.
🔹 Check windscreen & wipers – Repair any cracks or chips in the windscreen that may obstruct the driver’s view.
🔹 Listen for unusual noises – Strange sounds from the exhaust or suspension could indicate underlying issues.
A quick pre-MOT check can help catch small problems before they lead to a failure.
What happens after your vehicle passes the MOT Retest?
Once your car successfully passes the retest, you will receive a new MOT certificate (VT20), which will be valid for 12 months from the original test date. You can now legally drive your vehicle again, ensuring it remains roadworthy and compliant with UK law.
If your MOT certificate expires before the test, your car will only be road legal from the moment it passes the retest—so it’s best to schedule tests in advance.
Final Thoughts
Failing an MOT test can be stressful, but understanding the retest process, costs, and legal rules makes it easier to handle. Whether you repair the car on-site, take it elsewhere, or opt for a retest, acting quickly will save you time and money. Most importantly, regular vehicle maintenance can help you avoid MOT failures altogether—keeping your car safe, legal, and ready for the road. Get a free mot history check from trusted MOT checkers like Auto Experts instantly.
