After the MOT/ vehicle test
Information on what happens if your vehicle passes or fails the vehicle test.
Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) – private cars only
From 1 June 2025 some vehicles will receive a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC), extending the validity of their MOT.
Further information can be found on the Guide to booking your MOT vehicle test page.
Passing an MOT test
When your vehicle passes an MOT test, the examiner will issue you with a vehicle test certificate.
New-style vehicle test certificate
Information on the new-style vehicle test certificate is available at:
Failing an MOT test
If your vehicle does not pass the MOT test, the examiner will give you a notification of refusal containing details of the faults which will have to be repaired for the re-test.
An application for a re-test must be made within 21 days of the original test. After 21 days a full test fee will be needed. Re-tests must be completed within 60 days of the original test.
If your vehicle fails an MOT test it is treated as not being roadworthy and it should not be on the road, regardless of whether you have time remaining on an existing MOT certificate. Anyone using a vehicle on the road or in a public place without a valid test certificate or with defects may be committing an offence.
- Find out more about the MOT certificate
- Book an MOT/vehicle test online
Disagreeing with the test result
Should you disagree with the test result, you can appeal the result in one of two ways, whilst at the test centre or after you’ve left the centre.
Appeal decision at the test centre
Whilst at the test centre, you may ask for the decision to be looked at again by a manager. If the original decision is upheld by the manager, there will be no further appeal open to you.
Appeal decision after you’ve left the test centre
If you decide to appeal the decision after you have left the test centre, you can do so in one of two ways, but any appeal must be made within 14 days of the initial test being carried out.
You can:
- ring the call centre: 0300 200 7862
- send an email to customer services giving your vehicle registration, test centre where your initial test took place and your contact number: Driver and Vehicle Agency - customer services
DVA will then contact you to offer you an appointment within five working days to re-check your vehicle. Do not have your vehicle repaired or any work carried out on it before your appeal is considered, as any change to your vehicle may affect the outcome of the appeal.
If your appeal is successful, you may be entitled to a full or partial refund.
Making a complaint
If you are not satisfied with the service you have received, ask to speak to the centre manager, as they can deal with most complaints quickly and informally.
If your complaint is not resolved informally, you can make a formal complaint. Full details of the DVA's formal complaints procedure is available below:
Complaints help to identify areas where repeated problems are occurring and help DVA take steps to improve their service.
Reasons for MOT failure
- Brake system
- Suspension system
- Electrical system, including: battery; lights; wiring; horn; wipers; washers
- Brakes performance, including efficiency imbalance
- Wheels, tyres and hubs
- Body and chassis, including attachments
- Steering system
- Headlamp alignment N/ S headlamp
- Headlamp alignment O/ S headlamp
- Vehicle interior, including: seats; seat belts and anchorage; speedometer; mirrors; windscreen and windows
- Fuel and exhaust system
- Plates, including registration plate VIN plate
Lost or damaged MOT certificates
Information is available at:
Checking the authenticity of a certificate
Information is available at: