Failed Your MOT? Here Is What to Do Next

Find out what an MOT failure means, how defects are classified, what to ask before approving repairs and how to arrange a retest.

Failed Your MOT? Understanding the Result and Your Next Steps

An MOT failure can interrupt your plans, but the test result should tell you which defects need attention before the vehicle can pass.

Before approving repairs, read the failure notice carefully and ask the garage to explain the findings. It is useful to distinguish between defects that caused the failure and other issues recorded for your information.

What do the MOT defect categories mean?

Dangerous defects present a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious environmental impact. The vehicle fails its MOT and must not be driven until the dangerous defect is repaired.

Major defects may affect safety, put other road users at risk or have an environmental impact. They also cause an MOT failure.

Minor defects do not cause an MOT failure, but they should be addressed.

Advisories identify items that may need attention in the future. They are not themselves MOT failure categories.

Can I drive away after a failed MOT?

That depends on the vehicle’s condition, the defects recorded and whether it has a valid previous MOT certificate.

You must not drive a vehicle with a dangerous defect. A previous certificate does not make an unroadworthy vehicle legal to use.

If the car is unsafe or cannot legally be driven, arrange for it to be repaired where it is or transported appropriately.

What should I ask before authorising repairs?

Ask the garage to identify the exact failure items and explain the work required to address them. Request a quotation that separates parts and labour and identifies any additional recommended work.

If an advisory is included in the quotation, ask whether it needs attention now or can be monitored. Some advisories warrant prompt action even though they did not cause the MOT failure.

Will my car need a full MOT again?

A failed vehicle will need a retest to obtain a pass. The scope of the retest and any fee depend on factors including where the vehicle is repaired, when it returns and which items failed.

Confirm the retest arrangements with the testing centre before moving the vehicle elsewhere.

What if I disagree with the result?

If you believe the MOT result is incorrect, raise the issue with the test centre before repairs alter the condition of the vehicle. You can find the official complaints and appeals process on GOV.UK .

Need help after an MOT failure?

Visit HON CAR SERVICE  to enquire about MOT-related repairs and arranging a retest.