MOT failure and using car until repairs are done

bryanb

nickcc wrote: »

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.

How about if you changed the bulb? I thought an MOT only stated the condition of the car on the date of test.

nickcc

I was only using a bulb as a minor example, there again not many of us carry spare bulbs or the tools to allow us to change them.

Aretnap

Does every possible MOT failure automatically mean that the car also fails C&U regs (thinking things like emissions). In any event if the failure was on a minor point like a blown bulb a certain amount of common sense would likely be applied if the owner drove it to get a new bulb. Also worth noting that if the vehicle fails C&U regs then it is illegal to drive full stop. It doesn't become more illegal as a result of the MOT failure, other than that it would tend to close off any defence of not knowing (or being expected to know) about the defect.

bryanb

nickcc wrote: »

I was only using a bulb as a minor example, there again not many of us carry spare bulbs or the tools to allow us to change them.

But even a major fault could be repaired. After which you still have the old unexpired MOT. eg Tyres replaced.

Rover_Driver

bryanb wrote: »

Sorry all! Just checked the Gov website you can only drive to get repairs, or to a retest appointment after MOT failure. So strictly speaking you cannot even drive home.

The requirement is to have the vehicle tested every 12 months, if you have it tested in the month before the 12 months expires, if it passes, it will be dated from when the old one expires.

If it fails, you are still covered by the existing test until it expires.

It is only if the current test has expired and it fails, that you can only drive to get repairs, or to a retest appointment.

shark_DB

That is guidance it is not law
The old mot is in force so from that respect it is legal to drive
However you should not drive an un-roadworthy car on the road so if it failed on a tyre for example then the car is un roadworthy however if you changed it then the car is fine before the retest as long as the old mot has not expired

bryanb

shark_DB wrote: »

That is guidance it is not law
The old mot is in force so from that respect it is legal to drive
However you should not drive an un-roadworthy car on the road so if it failed on a tyre for example then the car is un roadworthy however if you changed it then the car is fine before the retest as long as the old mot has not expired

Checked a bit deeper in RTA You are quite right!

bryanb

Rover_Driver wrote: »

The requirement is to have the vehicle tested every 12 months, if you have it tested in the month before the 12 months expires, if it passes, it will be dated from when the old one expires.

If it fails, you are still covered by the existing test until it expires.

It is only if the current test has expired and it fails, that you can only drive to get repairs, or to a retest appointment.

Yes, you are correct, deleted my misleading post

Chopper_Read

You are allowed to drive it home if it fails even without a certificate.

bryanb

Chopper_Read wrote: »

You are allowed to drive it home if it fails even without a certificate.

Got a reference for that please?