If your vehicle fails its MOT test, does that mean it’s doomed to be stuck at the garage until you can get it repaired? You might think so, and in some cases, you’d be correct. However, it’s not always the case. Let us explain when you can drive your car after an MOT fail.
Can I Drive My Car After An MOT Fail?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the type of failure that your vehicle has been given. In 2018, the MOT rules were changed and different grades of defects were introduced.
Advisories still exist, and minor defects will be listed on your MOT certificate regardless of whether the vehicle passes or fails. But now, if your car fails its MOT test, it’ll be because of a major defect, or worse, a dangerous defect.
If your car fails because of major defects, you can still drive it – but there are strict limitations. If your vehicle fails with a dangerous defect, you will not be allowed to drive it, not even out of the garage – it is not road legal.
Examples Of Dangerous Defects
Many faults can fail an MOT test, but the most dangerous ones include:
- Brakes
- Loose brake discs
- Leaking brake fluid
- Windscreen
- Large cracks
- Cracks in driver’s eyeline
- Scratches
- Large Oil Leak
- Bald Tyres
- Suspension
How Long Can I Drive My Car After An MOT Fail?
So, your car has failed its MOT test but it could be worse… you’ve only got a major defect, rather than a dangerous one. What does this mean?
It means that you can drive your vehicle for 10 days as long as it’s still within the existing valid MOT timeframe. Get the repair work done within those 10 days and you can return to the same garage for a partial retest. If you take longer than the 10 days, you will have to pay in full for a brand-new test.
How Long Can You Get Away With Not Having An MOT?
You can’t. It’s that simple.
Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT is not only illegal, it’s also irresponsible. If your car or van fails the test, it’s for a good reason – it’s not safe to be on the road! We understand that having to get your vehicle MOT tested every year is a pain, especially when money is tight and car repairs are expensive.
However, if you drive around without a valid MOT, it’s very likely that you’ll end up being caught. Then, you’ll end up paying a higher price than a mechanic would have charged you for fixes.
Can You Park Your Car On The Road If It Failed Its MOT Test?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. It may seem harmless if you’re not actually driving your vehicle, but to simply be on a public roadway, every vehicle (that’s not exempt) needs a valid MOT certificate. Instead, you’ll need to park it on private land, like a driveway or in a garage. The same goes for vehicles that aren’t taxed and insured, too. Just bear in mind that without tax and insurance, it will also need to be registered as SORN.
Does A Failed MOT Affect My Car’s Value?
If you’re looking to sell privately to another motorist who’s planning to drive it, then yes, they will absolutely expect you to knock a good chunk off the asking price.
That’s why many people sell their MOT failures as scrap or salvage instead. With Scrap Car Comparison, your car can be valued within seconds and we can find a buyer with experience and knowledge who’s eager to get their hands on your car, whatever faults it may have.
Unlike a private buyer, our scrap and salvage experts know how to make the most of every vehicle and aren’t afraid of working with a few broken mechanical parts!
What Happens If You Accidentally Drive Without An MOT?
Unfortunately, the same rules apply here too. The authorities will have little to no sympathy for you if you’ve simply forgotten to MOT your vehicle.
Is Insurance Still Valid With A Failed MOT?
Yes, your insurance policy will still be valid. Any vehicle can fail its MOT, so not even insurance companies are that ruthless that they’ll turn their noses up at you for a simple, easily fixable fault. However, if you try to renew your policy whilst your vehicle is still awaiting an MOT test after previously failing, you might run into some problems. Generally, insurance companies won’t insurance vehicles that can’t be proven road-safe with a valid MOT certificate.
Also, if you choose to drive your vehicle after it’s failed its MOT with a dangerous defect, and whilst doing so you are involved in an accident, your insurance company will be well within their rights to cancel your policy and refuse to pay out a single penny. They won’t want to get involved with motorists who have broken the law.
Does A Failed MOT Increase My Insurance Price?
No. In fact, there’s no reason for your car insurance company to even find out that your vehicle has failed its MOT. As we mentioned above, the only time they’ll find out about the car’s MOT status is when you’re looking to take out a policy with them – the vehicle has to be roadworthy, or they won’t insure it.
If your car insurance has gone up, find out why that might be here.
MOT Failure Hub
MOT Failure HubIf you have, or expect to, fail you next MOT test there are a number of options, and important things to know. Luckily, we have expert guides on all MOT failure topics.
Can you drive car after a failed MOT
There is a 10 day grace period where it can be driven, with conditions that the car is safe.
Retesting and appealing an MOT test
If you are not happy with you test results and believe there to be mistake, find out your next steps here.
Driving a faulty car before your MOT test
If you know your car would fail an MOT test, you have a legal a duty to have that car repaired. Find out more.
Failing your MOT on emissions
Failing your MOT on emissions is not usually something we would expect. Find out everything you need to know here.
Or, visit our MOT failure hub for guides on everything related to MOT, and how to navigate your options after a fail.
Sell your MOT failed car
If you want to get rid of a car which has failed it’s MOT test, or is damaged beyond repair, you can get an instant and free quote online. Simply add your reg number and postcode and we can find you a salvage buyer in your area.
