In the UK, vehicles that are at least three years old are required by law to undergo the so-called MOT test. Basically, it’s an assessment gauging if your car is safe and is roadworthy; it’s conducted by accredited testing centers across the country. But what if when you’ve subjected your car into an MOT check in one of your trusted garages in Dartford and you’ve failed it -- what’s the next step? This article aims to shed light upon this topic.

Common Causes of MOT Dartford Test Failures

Did you know that 4 out of 10 vehicles fail the MOT test? According to research, the most common culprits behind it include issues concerning headlights, brakes, and tyres. Drivers who fail this test usually have these problems in common: defective windscreen wipers, broken reg lights, and damaged coil springs.

What’s Next After Failing the MOT Test

First off, it’s important to know that there are two types of MOT test failure: major and dangerous. If you get the former, it means that you can still drive your car as long as the current MOT certificate you have has not yet expired. However, if your failure level belongs to the latter, the vehicle should not be driven on the road and must be repaired as soon as possible.

When you take your car to one of the accredited garages in Dartford that also offer repair services, you can avail of a free partial retest once you leave your car for it to be fixed. Take note that this is only valid if the repairs can be accomplished within 10 working days.

If you wish to have it repaired in another place, you can take a free partial retest if you can bring your vehicle back within one working day. If it can’t be done within that period, you can aim to pay only half of the original testing cost if you can bring the car back within 10 days. If it’s beyond that period, you’d be obliged to pay for the full expenses of an MOT.

Now, if you think that your car failing the MOT test can be contested, you can make an appeal via the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Access and fill out their complaint form and send it to them within 14 days after the initial MOT check. Once they get hold of your form, a retest will be done within five days. If the appeal is deemed reasonable, you may get a partial or full refund of the retest cost.

Entrust Your Car to Dartford’s Leading Garage

Want to make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition? Claremont Motors is one of the most trusted places to get the MOT Dartford test. Their testing service is considered to be comprehensive, thorough, and straightforward -- working with them will help you know more about your vehicle’s condition and resolve any issues cost-effectively. Book an appointment by calling them at 01322 220033. Know more about their MOT service at https://www.claremontmotors.co.uk/mot-dartford.htm.