MOT failure and using car until repairs are done

butterfly72

I'm thinking of taking my car to a council MOT test centre. This is because I've realised I'm being ripped off at my local garage with £350+ mot and service bills every year... even when its passes!!

I plan to take the car up north and have a service whilst staying with family. This should half the costs! However, my MOT is due 2 weeks before I can get up north for the service so I thought I'd have my MOT done first at a council centre.

If it fails (and i'll do all the usual checks first) do I have to get the repairs done immediately? Can I use the car normally until I manage to get the repairs done and a retest organised within the MOT expirary date.

thanks

phill99

Once the MOT test expires the car should not be on the road, except to drive it back to the MOT centre for testing.

butterfly72

phill99 wrote: »

Once the MOT test expires the car should not be on the road, except to drive it back to the MOT centre for testing.

thanks, I understand that once the test expires it can't be driven. What about if it fails and theres still a couple of weeks left on the old MOT, can it be driven around as normal until the repairs are done (obviously before the MOT expiry date)

shark_DB

As long as the old mot has not run out you are fine

shark_DB

butterfly72 wrote: »

thanks, I understand that once the test expires it can't be driven. What about if it fails and theres still a couple of weeks left on the old MOT, can it be driven around as normal until the repairs are done (obviously before the MOT expiry date)

Yes you can

nickcc

You say that the test is due two weeks before you travel but then you ask about a retest within the MOT expirey date, which one is it. If the car fails the MOT and you continue to use it, even though the previous MOT has not expired, this would mean that you are driving a vehicle that is not fit to be on the road. If you were to be involved in an accident and either tried to claim from your insurer or the Police were involved then you would be in deep doo doo.

butterfly72

nickcc wrote: »

You say that the test is due two weeks before you travel but then you ask about a retest within the MOT expirey date, which one is it. .

Hi, yes, I've probably mudded the waters by mentioning that I'll be getting the car serviced two weeks after the MOT expires! its kind of irrelevent to my question really.

I just needed to know that I can test on one day and use my car as normal until I can organise any repairs. All should be sorted and I'll have a new MOT certificate before I go for a service!! I messed up my dates and know that the service should really come before my MOT to ensure a pass.

Aretnap

Depends what it fails on - it's not in itself illegal to drive a car which has just failed its MOT provided the old certificate is still valid, but it must still comply with construction and use regulations, and if it's in a dangerous condition (eg defective brakes, bald tyres) then it's illegal to drive, MOT or no MOT.

marlot

Aretnap wrote: »

Depends what it fails on - it's not in itself illegal to drive a car which has just failed its MOT provided the old certificate is still valid, but it must still comply with construction and use regulations, and if it's in a dangerous condition (eg defective brakes, bald tyres) then it's illegal to drive, MOT or no MOT.

I agree.

The MOT certificate* is valid until it expires.

But it is an offence to use a car on the road in a dangerous condition. You might not be prosecuted if you didn't know, but if you've had a test which points it out then you're in a tricky position!

* I know its not a certificate any more!

Chopper_Read

marlot wrote: »

I agree.

The MOT certificate* is valid until it expires.

But it is an offence to use a car on the road in a dangerous condition. You might not be prosecuted if you didn't know, but if you've had a test which points it out then you're in a tricky position!

* I know its not a certificate any more!

Just because it fails the MOT it doesn't mean it is in a danagerous condition.

However if you use the car with defects you can be prosecuted for those defects.

If the car has serious defects you are aware of and continue to drive it even with a MOT you may be guilty of dangerous driving.

nickcc

Aretnap wrote: »

Depends what it fails on - it's not in itself illegal to drive a car which has just failed its MOT provided the old certificate is still valid, but it must still comply with construction and use regulations, and if it's in a dangerous condition (eg defective brakes, bald tyres) then it's illegal to drive, MOT or no MOT.

But if its failed the MOT it's not complying with the CU regs so should not be used on a public highway. Even a blown number plate bulb could result in a defect notice and contravention of the CU regs even if the Driver weren't aware of the defect.