First of all you have to know why an MOT is required.
The purpose of the MOT test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles (including some light goods vehicles), private buses and motor bicycles over a certain age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with
2 things set out by the Government. These 2 areas are roadworthiness and environmental standards.
For every test conducted an electronic record is created. This record is checked when a vehicle is taxed. The police and certain enforcement agencies can also access this information directly from the electronic record and may
use it for on-road enforcement that a vehicle has an MOT or as part of other investigations.
The electronic test records are made available publicly online and can be used for different road safety related purposes. For example when buying a second hand car you can check online for free the history of MOT’s against the cars
registration number. You can do this by going here https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
This can also be used to quickly check when your cars MOT is next due.
Paper documents such as the receipt style test certificate and the failure document may be issued on completion of an MOT test, but these should only be considered as a view of the definitive electronic record.
The creation of that electronic record relates only to the condition of testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as:
Evidence of their condition at any other time
The general mechanical condition of the vehicle
Evidence that the vehicle fully complies with all aspects of the law on vehicle construction and use
The test is a visual inspection and does not require the dismantling of parts of the vehicle although doors, boot lids and other means of access will normally need to be opened. In the case of motor bicycles, cover panels may also need to be removed or raised to examine the vehicle structure.
If Your Vehicle has failed its MOT
If your vehicle has failed its MOT it means it has not met the standards set out by the DVSA. After failing it must be repaired before an MOT pass certificate can be issued.
A valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement in the UK. Without an MOT certificate you will not be able to renew your cars road tax. So the importance of getting your Car re mot’d is paramount so you can drive legally.
The nominated tester at the centre will provide a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’, giving a report on the areas in which your vehicle failed. The MOT tester will be able to provide advice in order to rectify any issues highlighted during the MOT test. The advantage of using ourselves is that we are also able to carry out the repairs to rectify the problems and even supply tyres if that is a reason for failure.
If you think the MOT tester has been unfair, you can appeal against the decision. You need to ask for a VT17 form this explains how to make an appeal against the results of an MOT test.
My car has failed its MOT check, can I still drive it?
It is illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate, so whether you can drive your car will depend on whether the date on your old MOT certificate has passed. If the renewal date on your valid MOT test certificate is still to come, then you can only drive your car to be repaired or to an arranged MOT appointment. This is the case only if it has been confirmed as roadworthy.
Except for in some exceptional circumstances, you should absolutely not drive a car that does not have an MOT. For peace of mind its best to plan ahead and book your MOT before your old one runs out. You can book 28 days in advance and your old date will roll over so you will not lose out on the days in between.
We offer MOT testing at our Garage in Bromsgrove, please call or email to book your Car in.
You can read more about MOT’s here https://www.baldwinsgarage.co.uk/mot/