Are You Getting the Most Out of Your MOT Test?

It's not just a vehicle inspection and roadworthiness test, and the list of things it checks can change. Here's what you need to know about the MOT...

More than 19 million cars in England, Scotland, and Wales each year must get an MOT Boston (in Northern Ireland, this is called a 'Certificate of Roadworthiness'). It shows if your car meets legal standards for being on the road. You can renew your car tax online or by post 160 days before it expires using form V11.

If you don't continue when it expires, you'll have to re-apply for vehicle excise duty - so don't wait until the last minute! Cars first used on or after 1 March must also have an annual test after the first four years.

MOT fail: What happens if your car fails its test?

If any severe faults are found, as long as they're fixable, you'll be offered a list of possible options to get your car up to scratch.

If the work can't be done within three days (excluding weekends), you'll get a refund on the cost of the MOT and needn't pay for re-testing.

If it's not considered safe or legal to drive as is, we won't let you move your car - but we can offer a free courtesy car while yours gets repaired.

In some cases

Where a car fails its first test but is fixed and passes the next time it's tested, the owner will be charged for two tests.

In other cases where a vehicle has been found to have an immediate safety problem, such as a blown lamp bulb that affects the driver's visibility, then we'll tell you before testing begins that you must have your car repaired at your own expense.

If you don't do this within three days (excluding weekends), you won't get a refund on the cost of the MOT and will need to pay for re-testing when it gets done - in addition to paying for repairs. Your local centre can provide more information about these specific cases.

MOT fail: Can I get a refund on the MOT if my car fails?

Yes, you can ask for a partial refund of your MOT fee - but only in certain circumstances. These are where your vehicle has failed its test because it doesn't have an MoT certificate or logbook, broken glass, defective tyres (this means illegal and unsafe), or no front (or rear) nearside (left-hand side) or offside (right-hand side) mudflaps.

If you're eligible, we'll give you back the total amount charged for the test; however, this can be subject to change by our current list price when using the website for an online booking/payment linked to our national online price scheme.

NOTE

Please note that refunds are not available if you ask for your MOT Boston to be conducted at a time outside its validity period (40 days before expiry & 30 days after) or the vehicle fails on an advisory-only item.

MoT fail: What happens if my car is too dangerous to drive?

If a car fails its MOT and can't be driven as is, we won't let you move it - but we will offer you a courtesy car while yours gets repaired.

In this case, there's no charge for the MOT Boston or re-testing. Suppose your vehicle fails its test due to an unsafe or unroadworthy condition, such as brake failure, faulty steering, insecure wheels, or significant oil leaks (including the engine). In that case, we'll tell you before testing begins that you must have your vehicle repaired at your own expense before we'll reinspect it again.

You don't need to pay for retesting when these repairs are done. We may also advise you to get checked by a professional garage; in some cases where the work's significant, this may mean an advisory needs to be displayed on your car.

MOT fail: What happens if my car doesn't pass its MOT?

If your car fails its test due to an unsafe or unroadworthy condition, you'll have to arrange for any work needed to make it safe to drive within three days (excluding weekends). If you don't do this within this time limit, the vehicle will need to be re-tested at your expense.

If you can prove that repairs are significantly delayed because of circumstances beyond your control - such as being hospitalized after a crash - then we may allow more time.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Report this Page

Created on Jan 3rd 2022 01:24. Viewed 165 times.

Share on APSense

Comments