What Happens If Your Car Fails Its MOT?

If your car fails its MOT, the failure is recorded in its MOT history and you will receive a refusal of an MOT test certificate explaining the defects found. The vehicle must be repaired and pass an MOT retest before a new certificate can be issued.

Whether you can drive the car after it fails depends on three things: whether its existing MOT is still valid, whether any defects are classed as dangerous, and whether the vehicle remains roadworthy.

What Happens When Your Car Fails Its MOT?

When a car fails its MOT:

1. The tester records the result in the official MOT database.
2. You receive a refusal certificate listing the defects.
3. You decide where the repairs will be completed.
4. The vehicle is repaired.
5. It returns for either a partial or full MOT retest.

You do not have to accept a repair quote from the MOT testing garage. You can ask another garage for a quote or arrange for the work to be completed elsewhere, provided the vehicle can legally and safely be moved.

What Does It Mean to Fail an MOT?

A vehicle fails its MOT when the tester finds at least one defect classed as major or dangerous.

MOT defects are divided into these classifications:

• Dangerous: The defect presents an immediate risk to road safety or has a serious environmental effect. The vehicle fails and must not be driven until it is repaired.
• Major: The defect may affect safety, harm the environment or put other road users at risk. The vehicle fails and must be repaired before it can pass.
• Minor: The defect does not significantly affect safety or the environment. The vehicle still passes, but the problem should be repaired.
• Advisory: A warning about wear or deterioration that should be monitored or repaired before it becomes more serious.

To understand warnings recorded on a passing certificate, read our guide to MOT advisories.

Can You Drive a Car That Has Failed Its MOT?

You can only take the vehicle away after a failed MOT if:

• Its current MOT certificate is still valid.
• The test did not identify any dangerous defects.
• The vehicle still meets the minimum legal standards of roadworthiness.

A valid MOT certificate does not make an unsafe vehicle legal to drive. You could still be prosecuted if the car is unroadworthy because of its condition.

If the test identifies a dangerous defect, do not drive the vehicle. Arrange for it to be repaired where it is or transported to another garage.

Driving a vehicle that failed because of a dangerous defect can result in a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points and a driving ban.

Can You Drive Home After Failing an MOT?

You may be able to drive home if the existing MOT has not expired, no dangerous defects were recorded and the car remains roadworthy.

However, being allowed to take the vehicle away does not necessarily mean driving it is sensible. A major defect involving brakes, steering, tyres or another safety-critical component may make professional recovery the safer option.

If you are uncertain, ask the tester to explain the defect before moving the car.

What If the Existing MOT Has Expired?

If the existing MOT has expired, you cannot use the car normally on public roads.

You may drive it:

• To have the defects found during the failed MOT repaired.
• To a pre-arranged MOT test appointment.

The vehicle must remain roadworthy during either journey. If its condition makes it unsafe or illegal to drive, it should be transported instead.

What Should You Do After an MOT Failure?

Start by reading the refusal certificate and asking the tester to explain anything you do not understand.

Your next steps are:

1. Check the defect classifications. Do not drive the vehicle if a dangerous defect is listed.
2. Request a repair quote. Ask for the parts, labour and VAT to be shown clearly.
3. Decide where to have it repaired. This can be the testing station or another garage.
4. Check the retest arrangements. The timing and location of the repairs affect whether the retest is free, discounted or charged at the full rate.
5. Keep the vehicle off the road if required. Do not use it normally if its MOT has expired or it is not roadworthy.
6. Arrange the retest promptly. Missing the qualifying period could mean paying for another full MOT.

How Long Do You Have to Fix a Failed MOT?

There is no general legal deadline forcing you to repair a failed vehicle within a set number of days.

However, you cannot continue using the car normally if its existing MOT has expired, and you must never drive an unroadworthy vehicle.

The 10-working-day period matters because it determines whether the vehicle can qualify for a partial retest. It is not a grace period that allows you to keep driving after the MOT expires.

Leaving repairs too long could therefore mean:

• The vehicle cannot be used normally.
• You lose eligibility for a partial retest.
• You have to pay for another complete MOT.
• Existing defects deteriorate and become more expensive or dangerous.

Do You Have to Pay for Another MOT?

Not always. The retest charge depends on where the repairs are completed, how quickly the vehicle returns and which items failed.

If the vehicle stays at the testing station

If you leave the vehicle at the MOT station for repairs and it receives a partial retest within 10 working days, the partial retest is free.

If you take the vehicle away

If it returns to the same testing station before the end of the next working day, certain specified items can qualify for a free partial retest.

These include items such as tyres, wheels, windscreen glass, wipers, washers, lamps, number plates, mirrors and some seatbelt defects.

If the vehicle returns to the same testing station within 10 working days, it may qualify for a partial retest, but the garage can charge a partial retest fee.

If it returns after the qualifying period, it will normally require a complete MOT and the full test fee can be charged.

Read our dedicated guide to MOT retest rules, time limits and fees, or see how much an MOT costs in the UK.

Can You Take a Failed Car to Another Garage?

Yes. You are free to choose another garage for the repairs.

Before driving it elsewhere, confirm that:

• Its existing MOT remains valid, or the journey is specifically to have the failed defects repaired.
• No dangerous defects were recorded.
• The car remains roadworthy.

If those conditions are not met, arrange recovery or transportation rather than driving it.

Remember that the vehicle will usually need to return to the original testing station to qualify for its partial retest arrangements.

What Are the Most Common MOT Failures?

Common reasons for an MOT failure include:

• Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
• Suspension problems
• Brake defects
• Tyres below legal or safety standards
• Poor visibility caused by windscreens, wipers or washers
• Steering defects
• Excessive emissions
• Damaged bodywork or structural corrosion
• Seatbelt and restraint problems
• Registration plate defects

Some failures are inexpensive to repair, while safety-critical brake, steering, suspension or corrosion defects can require considerably more work.

Learn more in our guide to the top reasons cars fail their MOT.

How Much Do Failed MOT Repairs Cost?

There is no standard repair price because an MOT failure can involve anything from a defective bulb to extensive corrosion or major brake repairs.

The final cost depends on:

• The defects recorded
• The vehicle's make and model
• Replacement-part prices
• Labour time
• Whether related components need replacing
• Local garage labour rates

Ask for an itemised quote before authorising repairs. If the price is substantial and the vehicle can be moved legally and safely, you can obtain another quote.

If the failure involves the braking system, our UK brake repair cost guide explains typical repairs in more detail.

Can You Appeal a Failed MOT?

Yes. If you believe the MOT result is wrong, discuss it with the test centre before allowing anyone to repair the vehicle.

You can appeal to the DVSA within 14 working days of the test. The vehicle should not be repaired before the appeal inspection because changing its condition could affect the outcome.

An appeal involves another inspection and may require you to pay a test fee initially. The fee is refunded if the appeal is successful.

Can You Prevent an MOT Failure?

Regular maintenance can prevent many common MOT failures.

Before the test, check:

• All exterior lights
• Tyre tread depth and condition
• Windscreen visibility
• Wipers and washer fluid
• Number plates
• Seatbelts
• Warning lights
• Mirrors
• Horn
• Fluid leaks

These checks cannot guarantee a pass, but they can identify simple problems before the official test.

Use our MOT test checklist before your appointment.

Check a Vehicle's Previous MOT Failures

A vehicle's MOT history shows previous passes, failures, defects, advisories and recorded mileage. This can help you understand recurring problems and how well a used vehicle may have been maintained.

Use our free MOT History Checker to review:

• Previous MOT failures
• Major and dangerous defects
• Advisory notices
• Recorded mileage
• Repeated problems
• Potential warning signs

You may also find these guides helpful:

• How to Check a Car's MOT History for Free
• What Makes a Good MOT History When Buying a Used Car?
• 10 MOT History Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away From a Used Car

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a failed MOT cancel the existing certificate?

No. A failed test does not automatically cancel an existing MOT certificate that has not yet expired. However, you still cannot drive a vehicle with dangerous defects or use any vehicle that is unroadworthy.

Can I drive to work after my car fails its MOT?

Only if its existing MOT remains valid, it has no dangerous defects and it is still roadworthy. Once the certificate expires, you cannot use it for ordinary journeys such as travelling to work.

Can I drive to a garage for repairs without an MOT?

You can drive to have defects identified during a failed MOT repaired, but the vehicle must remain roadworthy. If it is unsafe, arrange transportation.

Do I get ten days to drive after an MOT failure?

No. The 10-working-day rule relates to partial retest eligibility. It does not extend an expired MOT or provide permission to use an unroadworthy vehicle.

Does a failed MOT invalidate insurance?

A failed MOT does not automatically cancel an insurance policy. However, driving without a valid MOT when one is required, or driving an unroadworthy vehicle, could lead to prosecution and may affect an insurance claim. Check the terms of your policy if you are unsure.

Will an MOT failure remain in the car's history?

Yes. MOT passes and failures are recorded in the official MOT database and remain visible in the vehicle's MOT history.

Can I sell a car after it fails its MOT?

You can sell a car with a failed MOT, but you should describe its condition honestly. The buyer cannot use it normally on public roads without a valid MOT and must ensure it is roadworthy during any permitted journey.

Final Thoughts

If your car fails its MOT, first check whether any defects are classified as dangerous and whether the existing MOT certificate remains valid. Do not drive a dangerous or unroadworthy vehicle.

Obtain a clear repair quote, decide where the work will be completed and confirm the retest arrangements before taking the vehicle away. Completing repairs and returning within the qualifying period may avoid the cost of another complete MOT.

You can check any vehicle's previous failures, advisories and mileage using our free MOT History Checker.