What to Do When Your Car Fails MOT - Complete Guide

Failing an MOT test is stressful, but it's not the end of the world. Around 40% of cars fail their first MOT test each year, so you're not alone. The good news is that most MOT failures are due to relatively simple issues that can be fixed quickly and affordably. In this guide, Car-Pol Auto Services explains exactly what to do when your car fails its MOT and how to navigate the repair and retest process.

Understanding Your VT30 Failure Report

When your car fails its MOT, you receive a detailed report known as a VT30. This document is key to understanding what went wrong and what you need to fix. The VT30 report lists all faults divided into four categories based on severity.

Dangerous Defects

These are the most serious faults that pose a direct safety risk. Examples include completely worn brake pads, broken suspension springs, serious brake fluid leaks, or completely non-functioning lights. If your car has "dangerous" defects, you technically shouldn't drive it until they're repaired.

Major Defects

These are serious faults that affect safety or the environment, but aren't as critical as "dangerous" defects. Examples include worn brake pads (but not completely worn), damaged shock absorbers, excessive emissions, or a blown headlight bulb. Both "dangerous" and "major" defects cause MOT failure and must be repaired before the retest.

Minor Defects

These are smaller problems that don't cause MOT failure, but should be fixed to prevent future problems. Examples include slightly worn brake pads, minor oil leaks, or slightly damaged underbody panels. While you don't have to fix these to pass the retest, it's worth doing so to prevent them worsening.

Advisories

These are observations by the tester that aren't faults, but could become problems in future. Examples include tyres approaching minimum tread depth, slight corrosion on the underside, or slightly worn wiper blades. You don't need to do anything about advisories to pass the test, but it's worth noting them and planning future repairs.

Your Options After Failing MOT

After failing your MOT, you have several options. The choice depends on the type of faults, your budget, and time availability.

Option 1: Free Retest (Within 10 Working Days)

If you repair all the faults that caused failure and return to the same MOT testing station within 10 working days, the retest is free. This is the best option if repairs are simple and you can get them done quickly. You must book the retest in advance - you can't just turn up.

During the free retest, the station will check only the items that caused failure, plus a few basic safety checks. It's quicker and cheaper than a full new test. Important: 10 working days doesn't include weekends and bank holidays, so you actually have about 2 calendar weeks.

Option 2: Full New Test

You can repair the car and get a full new MOT test at any center, but you'll have to pay the full test price (currently up to £54.85 for a car). This option might be better if more than 10 working days have passed, if you can't return to the original center, or if you prefer to use a different center.

Option 3: Repair at the MOT Center

Some MOT testing stations have their own workshops and can repair faults on-site. This is convenient, but not always the cheapest option. MOT centers often charge higher prices than independent garages. Also, you don't have the option to compare prices or choose your garage.

Option 4: Repair at an Independent Garage

You can take your car to an independent garage like Car-Pol, get the faults repaired, then return to the MOT center for the retest. This is often the cheapest option and gives you the choice of a garage you trust. At Car-Pol, we specialize in MOT failure repairs and prepare cars to pass the retest first time.

The Repair Process at Car-Pol Auto Services

When you bring your car to us after an MOT failure, our process is straightforward and transparent.

Step 1: VT30 Report Analysis

First, we carefully analyze your VT30 report. We explain each fault in plain language - in Polish or English, whichever you prefer. We make sure you fully understand what's wrong with the car and why repair is necessary. We don't use complicated technical jargon.

Step 2: Additional Diagnostics

The MOT report often lists symptoms, but not always the exact cause of the problem. For example, it might indicate "excessive brake wear" but not tell you whether it's the pads, discs, or both. That's why we carry out our own diagnostics to identify the exact cause of each fault and ensure we're fixing the real problem.

Step 3: Prioritizing Repairs

We explain which repairs are absolutely necessary to pass the retest ("dangerous" and "major" faults) and which are optional ("minor" and "advisory" faults). If you have a limited budget, you can choose to fix only what's essential now and plan the remaining repairs for later.

Step 4: Detailed Quote

We prepare a detailed quote that explains what parts are needed, how long the repair will take, and what the total cost will be. There are no hidden fees or surprises. The price we quote is the price you pay. If we discover additional problems during the repair, we always contact you before doing any extra work.

Step 5: Professional Repair

Once you approve the quote, we proceed with the repair. Our team has years of experience repairing all makes and models of cars. We use high-quality replacement parts and professional tools. Every repair is carried out to the highest standards.

Step 6: Quality Check and Retest Preparation

After completing the repair, we conduct our own quality check. We verify that all faults listed in the MOT report have been fixed. We also check other items that are tested during MOT to ensure there are no surprises during the retest. Only then do we inform you that the car is ready.

How Long Do Repairs Take

Repair time depends on the type and extent of faults. Here are typical times for the most common MOT repairs:

Same Day (2-4 hours):

• Bulb replacements
• Wiper blade replacement
• Brake pad replacement (simple cases)
• Minor exhaust repairs
• Headlight adjustment

1 Working Day:

• Brake pad and disc replacement
• Shock absorber replacement
• Tyre replacement
• Suspension repair (simple cases)
• Brake line replacement

2-3 Working Days:

• Catalytic converter replacement
• Exhaust system repair (comprehensive)
• Suspension repair (complex cases)
• Emission problems requiring diagnostics
• Brake system repair (comprehensive)

We always try to give realistic repair times. If the repair takes longer than we anticipated (for example, due to difficulty getting parts), we inform you immediately. We understand you need your car and we work as quickly as possible without compromising quality.

How Much Do MOT Failure Repairs Cost

Repair costs vary significantly depending on what's wrong with the car. Here are typical cost ranges for the most common MOT repairs (as general guidelines only - each case is different):

Inexpensive Repairs (£20-£100):

• Bulb replacement
• Wiper blade replacement
• Minor lighting repairs
• Number plate replacement

Medium Repairs (£100-£300):

• Brake pad replacement
• Tyre replacement
• Minor suspension repairs
• Minor exhaust repairs

More Expensive Repairs (£300-£800):

• Brake pad and disc replacement
• Shock absorber replacement
• Suspension repair
• Catalytic converter replacement

Costly Repairs (£800+):

• Comprehensive brake system repair
• Comprehensive suspension repair
• Serious emission problems
• Structural underside repairs

Remember these are just general guidelines. The actual cost depends on the make and model of the car, parts availability, extent of faults, and labor time. At Car-Pol, we always prepare a detailed quote before starting work, so you know exactly what you'll pay.

Can I Drive My Car After It Fails MOT

This depends on the type of faults. If your car has faults marked as "dangerous," you technically shouldn't drive it as it poses a safety risk. Police can stop the car and potentially fine you if they notice dangerous defects.

If the faults are marked as "major" but not "dangerous," you can technically drive the car, but you should do so cautiously and only to get to a garage. You shouldn't use the car for regular commuting.

If you're not sure whether you can safely drive your car to our garage, call us. We can analyze your MOT report over the phone and advise you. In some cases, we may be able to help with transport.

The MOT Retest - What to Expect

When you return to the MOT center for the retest (within 10 working days), the process is simpler than the original test. The tester will mainly check the items that caused the original failure. They'll also carry out a few basic safety checks to ensure nothing else has broken.

The retest usually takes 15-30 minutes, much shorter than a full test which can take an hour. If all repairs have been done correctly, your car should pass first time. At Car-Pol, we prepare cars so they pass the retest first time - that's our standard.

What If My Car Fails the Retest

If your car fails the retest despite our repairs, bring it straight back to us. If the failure is due to work we carried out, we'll fix it at no additional cost - that's our guarantee.

If the retest failure is due to a new, unrelated problem that wasn't on the original failure report, we'll diagnose it, provide a quote, and get it fixed as quickly as possible.

Preventing Future MOT Failures

The best way to avoid MOT failures is regular maintenance and pre-MOT checks. Here are our recommendations:

Regular Servicing:
Follow your vehicle manufacturer's service schedule. Regular servicing catches problems before they become MOT failures.

Pre-MOT Inspection:
Book a pre-MOT inspection with us 2-3 weeks before your MOT is due. We'll check all the items tested during MOT and fix any issues before the official test.

Address Problems Promptly:
If you notice any issues with your car - strange noises, warning lights, handling problems - get them checked immediately. Small problems often become bigger (and more expensive) if ignored.

Basic Checks:
Regularly check your lights, tyres, and fluid levels yourself. Many MOT failures are due to simple things like blown bulbs or low tyre tread that could be spotted and fixed beforehand.

Contact Car-Pol Auto Services

If your car has failed its MOT and you need professional, affordable repairs in Gloucester, contact Car-Pol Auto Services. Call +44 7892 679554 or +44 7402 953343, or message us on WhatsApp. We speak Polish and English.

Our workshop is located on Barton Street in Gloucester, and we serve drivers throughout Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Stroud, and surrounding areas.

Don't let an MOT failure keep you off the road. Bring your VT30 report to Car-Pol, and let our experienced team get your car repaired and ready to pass the retest. We specialize in MOT failure repairs and have an excellent track record of getting cars through their retest first time.