MOT failure is one of the most unwelcoming things for a vehicle owner, but the process after that is quite simple. All that they have to do is get the list of faults that caused failure, book an appointment with the nearest garage for repairs, get the required repairs done, book a retest appointment and get the passing certificate, which will be valid till the next year. Facing these situations after a gap of many years is quite common, as some simple and overlooked problems might have caused failure. But failing the test, getting the repairs and retest done every year can be a big problem in terms of both practical and financial aspects. Hence, drivers should understand the core reasons for a vehicle’s failure in MOT multiple times and how they can make an informed decision. So, let’s start with the blog post and learn the process post MOT failure.
Driving a Vehicle After MOT Failure
As a vehicle fails its MOT Aberdeen, the examiner provides the vehicle owner with a failing certificate and, along with that, a list of all the reasons that made the vehicle not meet the minimum required standards. All these items are put under the major or dangerous categories, based on how serious the problem is. If the issues are major, the vehicle can be driven to and from the garage to get the repairs and retest done. While having dangerous issues means the vehicle should not be driven at all until all the issues are resolved.
It is up to the driver if they want to take the vehicle to a different garage to get the repairs done, or ask the same garage to repair the problems and conduct the retest. One thing that they are not allowed to do legally is to drive the vehicle as they don’t have a valid MOT certificate. If they are caught doing so by the authorities, they can be fined, points can be deducted from their license, and the vehicle’s insurance might also become invalid.
MOT Retest Process
If, after getting the repairs done, drivers decide to get the retest done at the same test centre which failed them, they will receive a reduced fee. But there is a specified period to get the retest and special discount. During the retest, the examiner is going to check only those components which caused the original failure, and they won’t conduct the full inspection. If a new issue is not identified. If all the issues have been resolved, all the components meet the government set standards, the vehicle will pass the test, and the examiner will provide a valid MOT certificate. In case the vehicle fails the retest because of issues not resolved properly or because a new issue is identified, the process will start from the beginning. Getting a second retest doesn’t mean a bigger discount. Vehicle owners have to pay more repair fees and also pay the fee for a retest.
Impact of Multiple MOT Failures on Finances
One thing for drivers to keep in mind is that multiple MOT failures for a vehicle will not only cause mechanical problems, but will also become the reason for financial problems. Every failure means getting more repairs done, and with inflation, garages are also increasing their fees. The retest will also cost. It is not only about repairs and retests, but continuous MOT failure will also impact a vehicle’s resale value. The reason for that is, when someone is buying a second-hand vehicle, they want to know if the vehicle is properly taken care of, and a vehicle’s MOT history can tell so. If the vehicle has a good history and has failed only a few tests, the potential buyer knows that you have been a responsible vehicle owner and took proper care of it. This will allow the seller to ask for a higher resale price and motivate buyers to pay a higher price without any hesitation.
There are many cases in which spending money for the retest might not be a good decision, and there are many mechanics who often tell the truth about whether it is worth it or not. In such cases, the best option for owners can be to sell it to someone who can restore it. It can be sold as a non-runner or as a project vehicle. For the time being, vehicle owners are advised to get timely car servicing Aberdeen done as it is the simplest way of vehicle maintenance.
Conclusion
A vehicle that fails its MOT multiple times is giving a clear message which should not be ignored. The most common reasons for this can be ignoring its maintenance, deterioration because of ageing or both. This can lead to drivers facing financial and practical problems. The best thing for drivers to do is to get timely maintenance done throughout the year. With regular car servicing, any minor issues which might turn into major ones in the future can be easily repaired. This means an increased chance of passing the test. This can also help extend the vehicle’s lifespan and help it have a better resale value.
