When your car hits three years old, it’s time for the first MOT test – and then each year after that. For newer cars, passing is usually a breeze, with a pass rate of about 90%. But for all cars on average, that drops to 65%, showing that a bit of prep can make a big difference!
If you’re facing a potential MOT failure, or just want to avoid it, we’ll cover the basics: common reasons for failure, what to do if your MOT fails, and a few things to help keep you safe and legal on the road. Head over to our blog where we explain the differences between MOT and Service!
Ready to book your MOT? Visit our MOT page or give us a call at 01689 664 769 to schedule your appointment today!
What is an MOT Failure?
An MOT failure simply means your car didn’t meet the necessary roadworthiness, safety, or emissions standards set by the DVSA. These are the basics every car needs to be safe and legal. Common MOT failures often include lights, suspension, brakes, tyres, and visibility issues like mirrors or wipers. Some of these can be easily avoided with a quick check before your MOT, potentially saving time and money.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
Let’s break down the main culprits for MOT failures, so you know what to keep an eye on!
1. Lights and Signals
Lights and signals are responsible for nearly 30% of MOT failures! Broken, blown, or malfunctioning lights can easily go unnoticed, but they are essential for safety. Regularly checking headlights, indicators, and brake lights can help prevent an unexpected MOT failure due to lighting issues.
2. Suspension
Noisy, creaking suspension could be a clue that your car won’t make it through the MOT, with 18% failing their MOT due to suspension related issues. Once your car gets to 5 years old, it is not uncommon for suspension bushes to need replacing, whilst higher mileage cars can find dampers begin to leak.
We suggest keeping a close eye at the noises like this, as they can end up getting really expensive. Worn suspension can also mean uneven tyre wear.
3. Brakes
Brakes are another crucial thing to check, with 17% of MOT failures linked to braking issues.Again, if your brakes are noisy, that likely means your brake pads are worn. You may start to hear a “metal on metal” noise, which means your discs are starting to get damaged too and can make the job far more expensive that it needs to be.
4. Tyres
Your tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, so it’s no surprise they’re essential for MOTs. About 10% of failures come from tyres that don’t meet the legal tread depth of 1.6mm or have visible damage. Keeping an eye on tyre wear and tread depth can save you a lot of hassle. Wondering what tyres does your car need? Check out out blog dedicated to different tyre types.
5. Mirrors, Wipers & Washers
These parts may seem minor, but anything that affects your visibility can lead to MOT failure. Issues with mirrors, wipers, or washers cause around 8% of failures. Look out for any chips in your windscreen, worn wiper blades, or low screenwash levels before the test.
Can I Still Drive with a Failed MOT?
Driving after an MOT failure depends on a few factors, but here’s the general rule: if your car fails and its previous MOT has expired, it’s illegal to drive it on the road. There are only two exceptions:
To a Garage: If you’re driving directly to a garage for repairs.
To a Pre-booked Retest: You can also drive to a pre-arranged retest appointment after repairs.
If your previous MOT is still valid, you might technically be allowed to drive, but only if the car is safe to do so. Failing for something like brakes or tyres means it’s best to get repairs done as soon as possible. It’s always better to be safe (and legal) than sorry!
How Long Do You Have After MOT Failure?
There’s no set time limit on repairs after an MOT failure, but it’s wise to get things sorted quickly. Without a pass, you won’t be legally allowed to drive, except in the specific situations above. Most repair shops will help you prioritize what needs fixing right away so you can get back on the road ASAP. And remember, some test centers offer free retests if repairs are done within 10 working days – ask about this when booking your MOT.
What Do I Do if My MOT Fails?
If your MOT fails, here’s the plan:
Review the Failure Report: You’ll get a list of major and minor faults. Major faults need fixing before the car can be legally driven, while minor ones should be fixed but won’t stop your pass once the major ones are sorted.
Get the Repairs Done: You can have repairs done at the test center or take the car elsewhere. Most test centers will let you come back for a free or discounted retest if you’re within 10 working days.
Arrange a Retest: Once the repairs are sorted, book a retest. Many centers do free retests, so acting quickly could save you some cash on extra fees.
Tips to Avoid MOT Failures
Want to avoid the hassle of an MOT failure altogether? Here are some tips:
Check Your Lights: Test all lights – headlights, indicators, and brake lights – before your MOT.
Listen for Suspension Issues: Unusual sounds or bumps can signal suspension trouble.
Maintain Your Brakes: Worn pads or squeaky brakes often need immediate attention.
Inspect Your Tyres: Check for tread depth, pressure, and damage.
Clear Visibility: Clean mirrors, check wipers, and fill up on screenwash before your test.
A little bit of preparation can go a long way in helping your car pass on the first try.
Preparing for Your MOT: Check Out Our Pre-MOT Checklist!
Getting ready for your MOT? Check out our [Pre-MOT checklist] for a simple guide on how to make sure your car is in top shape. A quick check beforehand can save time, money, and the stress of an MOT failure.
Need to book an MOT? Visit our MOT page or give us a call at 01689 664 769 to set up an appointment today!