No, you cannot legally drive a car that has failed its MOT on a public road, with very few specific exceptions. The law is strict on this point. Once a car fails its MOT, its existing MOT certificate becomes invalid immediately. Driving it on public roads is illegal and can result in a fine, points on your license, and your car being impounded. The only legal reasons to drive a failed car are to a pre-booked repair appointment or to a pre-booked MOT test center for a retest, and only if the vehicle is still roadworthy (i.e., the dangerous defects identified do not make it unsafe to drive).
The primary purpose of the MOT is to ensure your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required for road use. A failure means the vehicle has been deemed potentially dangerous or overly polluting. Driving it in that condition risks your safety and that of others. Common failure items like bald tires, faulty brakes, or broken lights significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.
If your car fails, the testing garage will provide you with a VT30 certificate (Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate) which details all the reasons for the failure. Your next steps are:
- Assess the Failures: Review the list. Some items may be minor and easy to fix, while others could be major and expensive.
- Arrange Repairs: You can have the repairs done at the original testing garage or any other garage of your choice.
- Retest: Once repairs are complete, the car will need a retest. Many garages offer a free or reduced-price retest if the repairs are done there and the retest is conducted within a certain timeframe (usually 10 working days).
| Common MOT Failure Item | Potential Risk if Driven | Approximate Repair Cost (USD) |
|---|
| Tire Tread Depth Below 1.6mm | Loss of grip, especially in wet conditions, leading to skidding. | $50 - $200 per tire |
| Faulty Brake Pads/Discs | Greatly increased stopping distance, complete brake failure. | $150 - $400 per axle |
| Broken Headlight or Taillight | Reduced visibility for you and other drivers, especially at night. | $100 - $300 |
| Excessive Exhaust Emissions | Environmental pollution; can indicate a serious engine problem. | $200 - $1,000+ |
| Suspension System Damage | Poor handling, loss of control, uneven tire wear. | $400 - $800+ |
The safest and most legally sound approach is to have the car repaired at the garage where it was tested and then undergo the retest before driving it away.
