Can you drive your car after it’s failed an MOT?

Friday 6th December 2024

All cars and vans over three years old (or four in Northern Ireland) must undertake an annual MOT test to ensure they are safe and roadworthy.

If you take your car for an MOT, all major components will be tested, including the seatbelt and suspension to the brakes, mirrors and more. Once your vehicle has passed its MOT, you will receive a certificate that allows you to drive your vehicle on the UK’s road network. However, what happens if your car fails its MOT test?

Formula One Autocentres’ article looks at whether you can drive your vehicle after it has failed its MOT.

Can you drive your vehicle after it has failed its MOT?

Ultimately, it depends on whether your existing MOT certificate is still in date and if any dangerous or major faults were found. If your vehicle has dangerous issues, you must not drive it until it is fixed by a professional and it must undergo an MOT re-test.

My vehicle failed its MOT test. What happens next?

If your vehicle fails its MOT test, you will be given a VT30 notice (this is also known as a ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’). The certificate provides vehicle details, such as the registration number and the date of the MOT test and outlines a list of defects for why your car has failed the MOT. These are categorised as dangerous, major and minor. It is essential to keep hold of the VT30 certificate as you will need it when booking for an MOT re-test or if you disagree with the test result and want to appeal.

Can I appeal a failed MOT?

You can appeal to the DVSA  by filling out a VT17 form on GOV.UK, within 14 working days of the failed test. Once you have sent the form, a DVSA vehicle examiner will contact you within five working days to discuss your appeal. If the DVSA decides your MOT requires a retest, they can arrange a date, time and the test centre location with you.

Can I be fined for driving without a valid MOT?

Yes, driving with an expired or invalidated MOT could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. In most cases, you may receive a £100 fixed penalty notice. However, if you drive a car that has received a major fault in your recent MOT test, the fine can increase to £2,500. You may also receive three penalty points on your driving licence and a six-month ban from driving.

Can I drive my car without an MOT to a test centre?

You are only allowed to drive your vehicle with an expired or invalidated MOT certificate in the following circumstances:

• You are taking your car to an MOT test centre for a pre-booked MOT test unless the vehicle is deemed dangerous. In this case, it should not be driven until the fault is rectified.
• You are taking your vehicle to a garage to repair any faults found when it failed its MOT and if the certificate is still valid. This only applies if your vehicle has failed on minor issues that are not classified as dangerous.

Any repairs highlighted in your last MOT test must be repaired before you take an MOT retest. Is your MOT due soon? Our guide looks at the most common MOT failures and how to resolve them so you can pass your MOT on the first attempt.

Keep your vehicle running smoothly by booking your MOT test at one of our 132 branches nationwide today.