DVSA confirm previous MOT is still valid if you fail

marlot

There has been quite a bit of debate about MOTs. Specifically, if your car fails an MOT does it somehow revoke a previous MOT which still has some time remaining.

I notice that DVSA have (finally) confirmed that the previous MOT is still valid at https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/how-the-new-mot-defect-categories-will-work/#comment-30250

https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/how-the-new-mot-defect-categories-will-work/#comment-30207

It is still an offence to drive a car in a dangerous condition, of course - but that was always true.

Joe_Horner

Of course, having that stated clearly by the people in charge of the scheme won't stop the rumour mill

prowla

Thanks for the info - I had thought that the new fail applied immediately, but this confirms that is not the case.

Nick_C

That's useful, and confirms the advice on the government Web site.

I've booked my car in for a test just before the rule change, and the garage told me if it fails I can't drive it away!

But am I right in thinking that will be true from May 20?

marlot

Nick_C wrote: »

That's useful, and confirms the advice on the government Web site.

I've booked my car in for a test just before the rule change, and the garage told me if it fails I can't drive it away!

But am I right in thinking that will be true from May 20?

They can't stop you driving away - eitehr now, or after the new rules come in. They could report you to the police, I guess.

And if you had an accident, I can see your insurers being unhappy.

marlot

"While the majority of your customers would never drive a dangerous vehicle until it!!!8217;s made safe, we know not everyone will behave responsibly. And, while it isn!!!8217;t your responsibility to try and physically stop them from driving the vehicle, it!!!8217;s important you provide them with clear advice that they do have dangerous defects.


This all applies whether the vehicle has a current MOT or not. A dangerous vehicle should never be driven on the road."


https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/how-the-new-mot-defect-categories-will-work/comment-page-1/#comments

marlot

Nick_C wrote: »

...
I've booked my car in for a test just before the rule change, and the garage told me if it fails I can't drive it away! .

An extreme example would that under the current MOT rules, you fail if your car has a spacesaver fitted. But the car remains roadworthy.

Nick_C

I'm still unclear. After May 20, will it be illegal to drive a car that has failed its Mot, even if its roadworthy and the old Mot has not expired?

spiro

If you look on the DVLA website it shows the new fault categories and an example failure. If the fault is classified as Dangerous the failure certificate clearly states the car must not be driven until it has been fixed.

Car_54

Nick_C wrote: »

I'm still unclear. After May 20, will it be illegal to drive a car that has failed its Mot, even if its roadworthy and the old Mot has not expired?

NO. Nothing has changed.

marlot

spiro wrote: »

If you look on the DVLA website it shows the new fault categories and an example failure. If the fault is classified as Dangerous the failure certificate clearly states the car must not be driven until it has been fixed.

Yes. I believe the phrase 'unroadworthy' isn't actually defined in law - but relates to dangerous tyres, steering, brakes etc.

It would be sensible if the new MOT status of 'dangerous' gradually became the de-facto standard for unroadworthy - ie. a car which is so badly maintained that the driver is punished.