Help > MOT > What does an MOT failure mean?

What does an MOT failure mean?

An MOT Test failure occurs when components on your vehicle are listed as either ‘dangerous’ or a ‘major’ problem following an inspection by a certified technician.

Once the vehicle has failed the MOT Test, this result will be added to and recorded in the national MOT database.

After an MOT Fail

After an MOT Fail Test, you will need to ensure the components that were the cause of the test failure are repaired before the vehicle can be retested.

If you do not have the vehicle retested and do not have a valid MOT Certificate, you are not able to drive the vehicle.

Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT Certificate can result in a £1,000 fine. However, if the vehicle is also deemed to be dangerous, this can increase to a £2,500 fine, 3 Penalty Points on your licence, and even a driving ban.

Are there any circumstances you can drive a vehicle that’s failed?

There are a small number of instances when you are allowed to drive a vehicle that has failed its MOT Test. These include:

Your current MOT is still valid
No ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT – and you are driving it to a garage for repairs

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