The Most Common Reasons For MOT Failure

All UK vehicles aged three years or older are required to pass an annual MOT, a process put in place by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. You can check the MOT status of your vehicle online, which includes its history and when your next test is due. But do you know the reasons for MOT failure? 

In this article today, we will be walking you through what it is. Before you start working on your vehicle, the first necessary thing is to understand the concept well. So, be sure to read this guide till the end and discover some interesting facts about MOT failure. 

So, let’s get started…

What Do You Understand By MOT? 

An MOT is an assessment that tests the roadworthiness of your vehicle. In other words, it determines if your vehicle is safe to drive on the road. The term itself is explanatory- it means when a car fails to match the government standards of being driven on the road. 

If you experience a failure here, chances are your car is inadequate for the road. A lot of people are confused about whether they can drive a car with MOT failure. Unfortunately, the answer is NO. But there is nothing to worry about it. Until your vehicle is in the worst position for driving, it doesn’t generally fail. 

In the later section of the article, we will be discussing the reasons of MOT failure. But before that, know how to arrange one. 

How To Arrange An MOT? 

It is easy to arrange your MOT, although you will need to do this well in advance of your pass expiry date. The most straightforward way is to book your MOT online at a local test centre, or alternatively, you could ring your local garage and make an appointment. 

Make sure to choose an approved MOT center that carries the blue sign with three white triangles. 

Why Could I Fail My MOT? 

If you get your vehicle serviced regularly, it is likely that you will pass your MOT. However, as the car ages, there is more chance of significant wear and tear in between your safety checks, which might lead to failure. Here are the most common reasons for MOT failure: 

1. Lights 

Nearly 20% of MOT failures are due to faulty lights. Before you take your car to the garage, check your headlines and brake lights to make sure that everything is working as it should.  

You may find it useful to ask a friend or family member to help with this. Ask them to walk around the car and watch the lights as you apply the brakes and switch through the headlight options. 

2. Tires 

Tires are exceptionally important for vehicle safety as this is the part of the car that grips the road. If your tires become shiny and lose their tread, you could easily lose control of the car – especially in wet weather or icy conditions. 

You should check your tread depth regularly throughout the year, not just before your MOT. This can be done using a 20p coin: when inserted into the grooves, the outer band should be hidden. If not, your tires do not meet the minimum 1.6mm tread depth, and you risk a fine or penalty points on your license as well as MOT failure. 

3. Brakes 

Being able to control your speed and stop quickly in an emergency is obviously vital to safe driving on the road. Testing your brakes is, therefore, a key component of an MOT test. 

One in ten cars fails their MOT due to brake problems. Warning sounds include squealing or grinding sounds when you apply the brakes and the car pulling to one side as you stop. You should also test your handbrake on a hill to make sure that it is capable of securing your car. 

Immediate Consequences Of MOT Test Failure

Below are the immediate consequences that might take place in case of MOT test failure:

• The test center deprives you of your MOT test certificate. 
• This further gets recorded within the MOT database. 
• You might opt for the result appeal if you find it incorrect. 

Chances are, you can take your car away in the following circumstances:

• Your MOT remains still valid just before the date of expiry.
• The vehicle you drive has no hazardous concerns. 

After servicing your car, you can easily opt for a re-test, as most people do. Various service centers tend to exempt the retest fee if you opt for the MOT servicing and testing within a certain time period. Right after that, you might have to pay a nominal charge. 

What Penalties Do I Have To Face For An Invalid MOT? 

The valid MOT certificate you carry proves the efficiency of your vehicle and that it meets government standards. Hence, penalties will be charged for an invalid MOT test certificate. Authorities can impose a fine of up to £1,000 if you fail to produce a valid certificate. 

Following this, you lose your car insurance as well. Therefore, you will be liable for any repair costs your car faces in an accident. An invalid insurance can result in points and fines on your license, which is not at all good news for you! Furthermore, an expired MOT retrieves your rights to renew your road tax. 

By now, you have understood the reasons for MOT failure and that it can lead you to a series of troubles. From financial losses to community rights, there’s much you have to go through. 

Parting Thoughts

The clear suggestion is to ensure your car’s appropriateness to be driven on the road. Maintaining the vehicle’s equipment on a regular basis can save you from exceeding costs and an MOT failure certificate. So, what are you waiting for? Go, get a MOT test done, and be rest assured about your vehicle’s safety. 

With this, we bring this article to a concluding note. Did you like what you read? Then, keep following us for more! Also, don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment box below. Signing off!

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