What Happens Immediately After a Failure?
The garage issues a Refusal of MOT Test Certificate (VT30) — a document listing all the faults found and their severity (Minor, Major, or Dangerous). Keep this — it's your record of what needs fixing and what the retest covers.
If you were having your car tested at a garage other than your usual one, you'll receive the VT30 digitally through the MOT History service as well as on paper.
Can I Drive Home After Failing?
It depends on the severity of the faults:
- Major faults only, and your previous MOT certificate is still valid: You can drive the car. The failure means your new certificate wasn't issued, but your old one remains valid until its expiry date.
- Your MOT has expired: If you drove to the test on an expired certificate, you must not drive the car away — except directly to a pre-booked repair appointment.
- Dangerous fault recorded: You must not drive the car regardless of whether your old certificate is valid. A Dangerous fault presents an immediate risk to safety and the car must be repaired before it moves under its own power.
The 10-Working-Day Free Retest Rule
Most garages will offer a free or reduced-cost retest if you have the repair work done with them and bring the car back within 10 working days of the original test. This applies to the specific items that failed — not to new issues found during the retest.
If you take the car elsewhere for repairs and then return for a retest, the garage is entitled to charge the full MOT fee again. Always ask about retest pricing before authorising repairs.
What Are the Most Common MOT Failures?
According to DVSA data, the most common reasons for MOT failures are:
- Lighting and signalling defects (bulbs, lenses)
- Suspension faults
- Braking system defects
- Tyres (below tread limit or damaged)
- Driver visibility (wipers, washers, windscreen)
- Emissions failures
How Much Do Repairs Typically Cost After an MOT Failure?
Costs vary enormously depending on what failed:
- Bulb replacement: £5–£30
- Wiper blades: £15–£40
- Tyres (per tyre): £50–£150 fitted
- Brake pads and discs (per axle): £100–£300
- Suspension components: £100–£500+
- Catalytic converter: £300–£1,500
Always get an itemised quote before authorising repairs. A reputable garage will explain what needs doing and why — and won't pressure you to approve additional work on the spot.
Can I Appeal an MOT Failure?
Yes. If you believe your car was wrongly failed, you can request an appeal test through the DVSA within 14 days of the test. The fee is £38.50 and is refunded if the appeal is upheld. Contact DVSA on 0300 123 9000. The car must not be driven between the original test and the appeal.
What Is an MOT Advisory?
Advisories are items noted by the tester that are not yet at failure level but should be monitored or repaired soon. They don't prevent the car from passing, but ignoring them means a likely failure at the next test. Keep a list of advisories and address them before the following year's test.