What Happens After An MOT Pass Or Fail:

Explaining The Next Steps

When your car approaches its annual MOT test, it serves as a reminder to inspect its health, ensuring it’s roadworthy, safe, and compliant with legal requirements. But what happens after the test? Whether your car passes with flying colours or fails and needs repairs, understanding what comes next can help you make informed decisions and navigate the process smoothly.

In this article, we’ll explore the next steps after your MOT test result, covering both outcomes—what to do if your car passes, and the necessary actions to take if it fails. This will help ensure your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and compliant with UK road regulations.

 

If Your Car Passes: Celebrate, But Don’t Forget Regular Maintenance

When your car passes the MOT, it means it’s legally compliant with the standards for road safety and environmental protection—at least for the next 12 months. While this is a relief, it doesn’t mean you can forget about your car entirely until next year’s test. A clean pass is a good indication that your car is in good shape, but regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly.

Here’s what to do after a successful MOT pass:

Check The Details Of The Report:
Even if your car passed the MOT, the test centre will provide you with a certificate and a detailed report. It’s worth taking the time to read through it, as it may include advisory notes on areas of your car that might need attention in the future. For example, if your brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan or if your tyres are close to the legal minimum tread depth, it’s good to know about these issues early. Staying ahead of maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the line.

Make A Plan For Next Year’s MOT:
Knowing when your next MOT is due will allow you to plan ahead. Most testing centres offer reminders as your next MOT test approaches, but it’s always a good idea to mark the date in your calendar and schedule a reminder. Staying on top of this means you won’t risk driving with an expired MOT, which is illegal and could result in fines or penalty points.

Ensure Regular Checks And Maintenance:
Passing the MOT doesn’t mean your car is problem-free for the whole year. To ensure it remains in top condition, regular maintenance checks are essential. Keep an eye on fluid levels, tyre pressure, brake function, and any unusual sounds or handling characteristics. A little attention throughout the year can make a big difference.

 

If Your Car Fails: Don’t Panic—Understand Your Next Steps

Unfortunately, not all MOT tests result in a pass. If your car fails, the situation can seem overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that a failed MOT is an opportunity to address underlying issues before they become major problems. The MOT test is designed to identify faults that could compromise the safety and efficiency of your vehicle, and failing it is not the end of the road—it’s just the beginning of a repair process.

Here’s what to do if your car fails the MOT:

Understand The Reason For The Failure:
The test centre will provide you with a list of the specific reasons your vehicle didn’t pass, from minor issues like a broken light bulb to major faults like brake failure or suspension problems. The failure will be categorised into two types:

Major Faults: These are serious issues that pose an immediate risk to the safety or environmental standards of your car. For example, faulty brakes or worn-out tyres. Major faults must be repaired before your car can be driven again.

Minor Faults: These are less severe issues, such as a cracked windscreen or a small exhaust leak, but still need to be addressed before your next MOT test.

Understanding the cause of the failure will allow you to prioritise repairs based on their severity. If you’re unsure about the details, ask the technician to explain the fault more clearly.

Get A Quote For Repairs:
Once you’ve identified the issues that need to be fixed, it’s time to get a quote. The repair costs can vary depending on the parts that need replacing and the labour involved. Many MOT testing centres can carry out the repairs themselves, or you can take your car to a trusted mechanic for a second opinion or alternative quote. It’s always a good idea to get multiple estimates to ensure you’re getting a fair price for the work required.

Consider The Cost Vs. Value:
Depending on the extent of the repairs needed, it may be worth

considering the value of your car in relation to the cost of repairs. If the repairs are expensive and your car is quite old or not worth much, it might be worth thinking about whether investing in the repairs is the best choice. In some cases, scrapping the car and looking for a replacement could be a more cost-effective solution.

Get The Repairs Done:
Once you’ve chosen a repair service and agreed on the price, it’s time to get the work done. Major faults must be fixed before the car can be driven legally, so it’s important to schedule repairs as soon as possible. After repairs are completed, the car will need to be retested before being issued a valid MOT certificate.

Rebook The MOT Test:
After the repairs are completed, your car will need to undergo a retest. If the repairs were minor, the test centre may not charge for the retest, but if major work was needed, you may have to pay for a full retest. The retest must be done within 10 working days of the initial test, so it’s vital to get the car back to the test centre quickly to avoid additional costs.

Check For An MOT Extension (If Applicable):
In some cases, especially during times of national crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, the government may allow a temporary MOT extension. This doesn’t mean your car is exempt from repairs, but it may provide additional time to address issues before your car is legally required to pass the MOT test again. Always check current government guidelines to see if such an extension applies.

 

MOT Outcomes Don’t End With The Test

Whether your car passes or fails the MOT, it’s important to remember that the test is just a snapshot of your car’s condition at that moment. A pass gives you peace of mind, but it also reminds you of the importance of regular maintenance. A failure, while disappointing, offers an opportunity to fix potentially dangerous or costly issues before they become serious.

By understanding the steps to take after either outcome, you can ensure your car remains roadworthy and safe throughout the year. Keep up with maintenance, be proactive about repairs, and make sure you’re always driving a car that’s both legally compliant and in optimal condition.