❌ What Happens If Your Car Fails the MOT? Next Steps Explained

❌ What Happens If Your Car Fails the MOT? Next Steps Explained

By Andrews Car Centre – MOT Testing & Repairs in Lincoln

An MOT test is a legal requirement for most vehicles in the UK — but what happens if your car doesn’t pass?

At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we carry out hundreds of MOTs every month, and many drivers are unsure what failing an MOT really means, or what to do next.

In this article, we’ll break down what happens when your car fails its MOT and how to get back on the road quickly, legally and safely.

🧾 What Is an MOT Failure?

When your car fails its MOT, it means one or more items did not meet the minimum safety or environmental standards set by DVSA.

You’ll receive a VT30 'Refusal of MOT Certificate', showing:

• ✅ Pass items

• ❌ Fail items (major or dangerous defects)

• ⚠️ Advisory items (watch for wear or future issues)

🚨 Can You Still Drive the Car?

That depends on the type of fault:

🔴 Dangerous Defect:

• You CANNOT drive the car under any circumstances.

• Even if your previous MOT is still valid, the car is considered unroadworthy.

• You could face a £2,500 fine, 3 penalty points, or a ban if caught driving.

🟠 Major Defect:

• You can only drive the car to a pre-booked repair or MOT appointment.

• Otherwise, it’s illegal to drive until the fault is fixed and the car passes a retest.

🔧 What to Do If You Fail the MOT

1. Review the MOT Fail Sheet
   – Understand what’s failed and whether it’s major or dangerous.

2. Discuss Repairs with Your MOT Garage
   – At Andrews Car Centre, we give you a clear quote for the work needed.
   – No pressure, no hidden costs.

3. Get the Repairs Done
   – You can get the work done on-site or take your car elsewhere.

4. Book a Free Retest
   – If we carry out the repairs, you’ll get a free MOT retest within 10 working days.

🛠️ Fast, Honest MOT Repairs in Lincoln

At Andrews Car Centre, we’re fully equipped to fix all common MOT failure issues, including:

✅ Brakes
✅ Tyres
✅ Suspension
✅ Exhausts
✅ Bulbs & wipers
✅ Emissions faults
✅ Steering components

We always:

• Use OE-spec parts

• Offer fair, up-front pricing

• Keep you informed before doing any work

📍 Book Your MOT Test or Retest in Lincoln

Failed your MOT? Don’t panic — we’ll get you back on the road quickly, legally and affordably.

👉 Call Andrews Car Centre today, book online, or visit our Dixon Street workshop in Lincoln.

✅ DVSA-approved MOT testers
✅ Repairs and retests in one place
✅ Trusted by Lincoln drivers for over 25 years

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