Failed your MOT? Here's what happens next

Can I still drive my car after an MOT fail?

Major defect, and your old MOT has run out: you can only drive it to a garage for repairs or to a pre-booked MOT.

Major defect, and your old MOT is still valid: you can legally drive it until the old certificate expires, as long as it's roadworthy. But a major defect means something is wrong, and the police can still stop you if the vehicle isn't safe. Our advice is to get it fixed straight away.

That's one more reason to MOT early: you can be tested up to a month (less a day) before the old MOT runs out and keep the same renewal date.

What we do if your vehicle fails

1. We show you. You get the DVSA fail list, and we explain each item in plain English. Ask to see the part if you like.
2. We price it. A clear quote for the repairs, parts and labour, before any work starts.
3. You decide. Have it fixed here, often the same day, or take it elsewhere. No pressure either way.
4. Free retest. Bring it back within 10 working days and the retest is free. How the free retest works.

The most common MOT fails

• Lights and signals, the most common fail of all: blown bulbs, headlight aim, broken lenses
• Suspension: broken coil springs, worn bushes and ball joints
• Brakes: worn pads and discs, imbalance, corroded pipes
• Tyres: low tread, cuts, bulges or the wrong size
• Driver's view: windscreen chips, worn wipers, empty washer bottle
• Emissions: smoke on diesels, often down to the DPF or EGR valve

Many of these are cheap and quick to fix. Bulbs and wiper blades can often be sorted while you wait.

Repairs on site

Madeley Testing Station is a full workshop as well as an MOT centre, with more than 30 ramps, so most MOT repairs are done the same day without moving the car. Servicing and repairs are on our main site, madeleytestingstation.co.uk.