How to Appeal an MOT Failure in the UK

Car Owl

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Summary

• You can appeal within 14 working days: The appeal must go to the DVSA, not the testing station.
• Do not repair the car first: The DVSA needs to see the fault that caused the failure.
• Appeals are free: You will not be charged for the re-examination.

If you believe your car failed its MOT unfairly, you have the right to appeal. The process is straightforward, but there are strict rules about timing and what you can and cannot do.

This guide explains how to appeal, what to expect, and when a formal complaint is more appropriate.

When to Appeal

An appeal is appropriate if you believe:

• The tester made an error in assessing a fault.
• A component was wrongly classified as a Major or Dangerous defect.
• The testing equipment was faulty or incorrectly calibrated.
• The test was not carried out properly.

An appeal is not appropriate if you have already had the fault repaired. The DVSA needs to inspect the original condition.

How to Appeal

Follow these steps:

1. Do not repair the fault: The car must be in the same condition as when it was tested.
2. Contact the DVSA: Call 0300 123 9000 or apply online within 14 working days of the test.
3. Provide your details: You will need the MOT test number, the testing station name, and the reason for your appeal.
4. Book the re-examination: The DVSA will arrange for an authorised examiner to re-test the vehicle.
5. Attend the re-examination: This is free and takes place at a DVSA-approved location.

You have 14 working days from the date of the test to lodge an appeal. After that, the right to appeal expires.

What Happens During the Appeal

The DVSA sends an authorised examiner to re-inspect your vehicle. They check only the items you are disputing, not the whole car.

If the appeal is upheld, the DVSA may also investigate the testing station for standards.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe the testing station acted dishonestly or tried to upsell unnecessary repairs, you can make a formal complaint:

• Contact the DVSA directly with details of the station and what happened.
• The DVSA can investigate the station and take action, including suspension.
• You can also leave a review on Google or Trustpilot to warn other drivers.

Dishonest MOT stations do exist, though they are a small minority. Most testers are professional and fair.

Tips for a Successful Appeal

1. Act quickly: You only have 14 working days.
2. Do not touch the car: Any repairs invalidate the appeal.
3. Get a second opinion: Ask another garage to look at the disputed item before you appeal.
4. Keep documentation: Save the MOT certificate, failure sheet, and any photos.
5. Be specific: Tell the DVSA exactly which failure item you are disputing and why.

Alternative Options

If 14 days have passed or you have already repaired the car, you cannot appeal. But you can still:

• Get the car retested at a different MOT station for a second opinion.
• Report the original station to the DVSA.
• Check your MOT history to see the full record and compare results year on year.

Read our MOT guide for a full list of common failure reasons and how to prepare.

Common Disputed Items

Some MOT items are more subjective than others. The most commonly disputed failures include:

• Tyre tread depth: Close to the 1.6 mm limit. Measurement methods can vary slightly.
• Corrosion: Whether rust is structural or cosmetic is a judgment call.
• Brake efficiency: Readings can vary between different roller brake testers.
• Suspension wear: Slight play in joints can be interpreted differently by different testers.
• Headlight aim: Beam pattern tests can be affected by tyre pressure and vehicle load.

If the failure is on a borderline item, an appeal has a reasonable chance of success.

Appeal Statistics

Understanding the appeal landscape helps set expectations:

• The DVSA receives a relatively small number of appeals each year compared to the millions of MOTs conducted.
• A significant proportion of appeals are upheld, especially for borderline items.
• Most disputes are resolved within two to three weeks.
• The process is designed to be fair and accessible to all motorists.

If you believe your car was failed unfairly, the appeal process exists to protect you. Use it with confidence.

Final Thoughts

MOT appeals are rare, but the right to appeal exists for good reason. If you genuinely believe your car was failed unfairly, use the process. It is free and straightforward.

The most important rule is to act quickly and not repair the car first. The DVSA needs to see the disputed fault in its original state.

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