Can I Drive My Car if it Fails an MOT Test? What UK Drivers Need to Know

If a vehicle does not meet the minimum standards during its full MOT test, it will be issued a VT30 fail certificate. This will list the faults that caused the failure in order of severity:

• Dangerous faults pose an immediate risk to safety or the environment.
• Major faults compromise safety, impact other road users, or harm the environment.
• Minor faults meet the test standard but should be looked at and repaired by a qualified mechanic soon.
• Advisories are areas to keep an eye on, but not a reason for failure.

A fail doesn't always mean the car can't be driven at all. The determining factors include whether the previous MOT is still valid, the severity of the faults, and where the driver intends to take the car.

MOT failures are recorded in the MOT database, which police and ANPR systems can access during roadside checks

Now let's take a look at when you can still drive a car without a valid MOT:

If your existing MOT certificate is still valid

A failed MOT does not automatically cancel your current MOT certificate. If your previous MOT has not yet expired, you can usually continue driving your vehicle until it expires - under two very important conditions:

1. No dangerous defects were recorded in the failed test, and
2. The car remains roadworthy under UK road traffic laws.

However, it's a very good idea to arrange repairs to get the car up to standard before the MOT expiry date is officially up.

You will not be able to use the car if it has dangerous faults, and it's worth noting that major defects could cause serious issues if you continue to drive without fixing them. Remember also that if you get into an accident in a vehicle with major defects, you may find that insurers hold you culpable and refuse to pay out.

If your MOT has expired

If the current MOT has expired and your car fails its next MOT, you cannot legally drive it on public roads - unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test or a repair appointment.

If the car has a “dangerous” fault

If the MOT test records dangerous faults, your vehicle will be declared non-roadworthy with immediate effect. In this case:

• The current MOT certificate or previous MOT certificate will be invalidated for road use.
• The vehicle will usually be kept at the test centre; it can only be driven away if it's going straight to repairs, and only if driving it does not create additional risk.
• Usually, if you want to get the vehicle back home, you will need to book a towing or recovery service.

Dangerous faults include things like brake failure risks, structural damage, severe tyre defects, or insecure steering systems. If you ignore dangerous faults and drive the car away, you could be prosecuted for driving an unsafe vehicle.

If your vehicle fails an MOT test, don't worry. It's not the end of the road. Here's what to do next:

1. Check the fault list carefully to understand the severity of the problem.
2. Stop driving immediately if any faults are classed as dangerous. The test centre should inform you if any faults are dangerous, and will usually advise you not to drive away.
3. Book repairs promptly.
4. Arrange for a retest once repairs are completed.
5. Keep documentation proving bookings, repairs, and test results.

Some test centres offer free partial retests if repairs are completed within a specified timeframe, while others charge a fee. This varies between MOT test centres, however, so it's a good idea to check retesting policies before you book your MOT.

If you disagree with your MOT test result, you have the right to appeal to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You should lodge the appeal as quickly as possible, and not alter your vehicle until a DVSA-appointed assessor inspects it.

If you drive without a valid MOT, you could be hit with:

• A fine of up to £1,000.
• A prohibition notice that prevents further vehicle use.
• Points on your licence.
• Insurance complications or claim rejection.

There is no formal grace period after an MOT expires. The moment the certificate lapses, standard driving is illegal unless you are heading directly to a pre-booked test or repair appointment. If you are stopped without a valid MOT certificate, the police will fine you at the roadside. Repeated high-risk violations can escalate to court penalties.