Consequences of Failing the MOT Test
Almost every car owner knows, or rather understands, the importance of the MOT test and how crucial it is to pass it. These car owners do their best to keep their vehicles in shape throughout the year and try to pass the government-mandated car inspection in one go. Despite such preparation and dedication, the DVSA data shows that almost 38% of the cars that appear for an MOT fail to pass it every year. As such, it becomes important for car owners to not only learn about the MOT and how to pass it, but also what could go wrong if they fail to do so. This is why we have come up with the following blog, so that we can help our readers understand the various consequences of failing the MOT Tadley test.
In simple words, if you fail the MOT, it basically means that your car is unfit for driving. However, what does this exactly mean for your car, and how will you cope with it? To learn more about this, you should simply scroll down and get familiar with the various results of ignoring safety standards and failing the MOT test.
We have divided these consequences based on the merit of time and financial impact. Let’s take a look.
Immediate Effects of Failing the MOT Test
First, let us see what will happen when you fail the test. These problems will start as soon as your car is declared unfit for the road, and at a maximum, you will only have a window of 10 days or so to take action. These consequences are as follows:
Trouble With the Law and Insurance
Failing the MOT prevents you from driving the car. If you are caught using a vehicle without a valid MOT passing certificate, then you will find yourself in trouble, legally. You might have to pay a hefty fine of up to £1000 or get negative penalty points on your license. But that’s not all, failing the MOT test can also cause issues for your insurance, as many providers include it in the clause. So, if you do fail the MOT test, your insurance might be voided, which in turn will leave you exposed to expensive repairs and maintenance.
Restricted Driving and Penalties
You will also notice that your driving has become much more restrictive, as you won't be allowed to drive until you have taken care of all the problems pointed out during the MOT test. If you do, you will find yourself in legal trouble, as mentioned above. Moreover, it doesn't make sense to drive with such problems, as it can leave you prone to accidents.
Financial Impact of Failing Your Vehicle's MOT Test
Now, let us look at the various financial problems that might come up if you fail the MOT test:
Expensive Repairs Down the Road
You should know that failing an MOT will result in going for repairs, and such repairs are not cheap. You will have to spend a substantial amount to get your car fixed. It would be much simpler and cheaper to act preemptively and take care of your car service so that you won't have to spend a ton of money down the road.
Costly Insurance Premiums
Next, you should know that failing the MOT will result in your next insurance premiums getting costlier. This is because the car, once it fails the MOT, is deemed unfit for the road. As such, your insurance provider might find your vehicle a risk, which will result in higher premiums.
Long-Term Disadvantages of Failing the MOT
Finally, let’s look at some of the problems that might come up in the long run if you fail or keep failing the MOT test, which is conducted annually:
Lower Resale Value of the Vehicle
In the long run, if you keep failing the MOT test, your car will have a lower resale value. Failing the MOT test indicates that your car is unfit and doesn’t meet the required safety and environmental standards. This will cause the potential buyers to lower the value of the car when bargaining, and thus result in a substantial loss for you.
Depreciation in the Value of the Car
Failing the MOT is also indicative of potential and existing problems in your car. As such, if you keep ignoring it, your car value will keep on depreciating. This will cause you to lose much, especially when you consider the age of the vehicle and factor in its current condition. The rate of depreciation will be much faster, and thus you will keep on losing money on your car's value.
Conclusion
In the end, we have to bring focus on the point that MOT is not a voluntary act; rather, it is a mandatory inspection that ensures the validity of your vehicle. As such, you not only have to appear for the test, year after year, but also have to pass it, as long as your car is three years old, to ensure that you can keep driving it on the roads. The MOT test checks whether your car meets all the various safety criteria, and if you can use it without harming the environment. As such, you have to be prudent when it comes to your car repairs and make sure that you pass the MOT test.
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