Every car owner in the UK needs to pass the annual MOT inspection in order to keep their vehicle ‘street legal.’ But do you know what happens if your car 

First of all, don’t panic! You’re not the first person whose car has failed an MOT, and you won’t be the last. Although repairs can be costly and you won’t be left with much choice, with car finance options like 

 available, you might find yourself back on the road faster than anticipated. 

However, you’ll want to get repairs done reasonably quickly — or do without your car until whatever’s broken is fixed. 

Forewarned is forearmed. Here’s everything you need to prepare for a possible MOT #fail. 

An MOT is the UK’s annual vehicle check that ensures your car is roadworthy and won’t pose a risk to yourself or other drivers. The MOT is carried out according to the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. 

Every vehicle older than three years must have a valid MOT certificate before being driven on public roads. If you don’t have a valid MOT and are caught, you can receive a fine of up to £1,000. 

Plus, your insurance company is within its rights to invalidate a claim if you can’t prove your vehicle was roadworthy at the time of the incident.

What can fail an MOT? 11 common reasons cars fail MOTs

The best way to avoid an MOT failure is to know what’s being checked and which issues are most common. We’ve compiled a list of 11 standard MOT failing points to help you prepare. Save this page so you don’t forget them or the failed MOT meaning! 

Blown or broken lightbulbs are the single most common MOT failure cause. Luckily, they’re also the cheapest to fix. Check your lights are working properly before the big test. This includes indicators, front, rear, brake, and fog lights. 

Let's face it — the UK's potholed roads give your suspension a serious workout. So, it's not surprising that suspension issues are another leading cause of MOT failures. Aside from timing your annual service before the MOT test, you cannot do much to prevent this. 

Have you noticed that your brakes are feeling spongy? Or has your car been pulling to the left or right while under braking? These are usually signs that your brake pads need replacing. 

 Brakes need a refresh approximately every 50,000 miles. 

Tyres are one of the most essential parts of the car as they’re the only part of the vehicle that touches the road. If your tyres are in bad shape, they might not even be legal for road driving. 

The UK's minimum legal tread depth limit is 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the tyre tread. Under this? It’s time for some new tyres! 

While checking your tyres, you should also look for cuts, exposed steel belts, or bulges and tears. You’ll also need to change your tyres if they’re different sizes to the opposite partner. 

5. Cracked windscreen (obscuring driver’s view)

Good visibility is crucial when driving, as without a clear view, you’re putting yourself and other drivers at risk. So, make sure you get any windscreen chips filled with resin to prevent them from becoming cracked. 

6. Stickers on the windscreen (that obscure driver’s view)

Similarly to cracks and chips, stickers that obscure your view will lead to a failed MOT. Yes, something as small as a sticker can cause you to fail! Being able to see is critical, so ensure your windscreen, rear windows, and mirrors are clear. 

Emissions (fuel and exhaust) can also lead to a failed MOT if your fuel system isn’t cleaned and functioning properly. This issue is so standard that some garages even offer pre-MOT fuel services to help you give your emissions a refresh before the test. 

While most fluids aren’t usually tested on an MOT, they will test your power steering fluid. You must have enough fluid in the reservoir to meet the minimum level, so check and top up your fluid if needed. 

For a car to be deemed road-safe, it must have retracting seat belts. Before you arrive at the test, check your seats for any knotted or twisted belts. You should also ensure that they can secure their position without detaching. 

Another safety feature to check is your airbags. Missing airbags or airbag warning lights are a failure point, so get your bags repaired or your dashboard lights reset ASAP. 

Last but not least, review your registration plates. In the UK, these must be clear and legible. You don’t want to fail because of a splodge, dirt, or blown lightbulb! 

The maximum price a garage can charge to carry out an MOT is £54.85 and that includes VAT. As this is the maximum price, you’ll find most garages set £54.85 as their average MOT cost. 

Most MOTs take about 45 minutes and can be carried out in one of over 20,000 licensed MOT stations in the UK. 

Considering the relatively low price of an MOT and the ease of getting one done, it’s well worth making sure yours is up to date in order to avoid hefty fees and invalid insurance. 

Can you drive if your MOT runs out today?

Yes, but only to drive it to the garage for its MOT or for repairs, and then you are allowed to drive it back home. 

If your car doesn't have it's MOT up-to-date, then you may not drive it anywhere else legally. 

In order to pass the MOT, your vehicle has to meet a strict set of criteria, based on your car’s size, age and class. If it doesn’t meet these criteria, and any faults are identified as being dangerous or illegal, your vehicle will automatically fail the MOT. 

For any shortcomings that aren’t dangerous now, but could be down the line, they’ll be flagged up as advisory, meaning you’ll need to remedy them prior to your next MOT. So, check out what can fail an MOT to get prepared. 

If your car fails the MOT, you will be issued a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate. This certificate will explain why your vehicle failed its test and the repairs that need to be carried out to pass the MOT. Remedy these before the next test to avoid another “car failed MOT” moment. 

Do you need to get another MOT after a failed test?

Following the failed test, your car can stay at the garage for repairs and be partially rechecked for a free MOT within 10 working days. If more than 10 days pass, the vehicle must go through a complete MOT again at full cost. 

If you take your vehicle to a different garage for repairs, it can be re-inspected for 

The half-price re-test discount can only be used once, so if your vehicle fails again, you’re liable to pay for a full MOT at the next test. 

No, you cannot drive your car with a failed MOT. If you receive a VT30 certificate, your car isn’t safe to drive on the roads, and it is illegal to drive. 

However, there are two exceptions to this rule: 

If you’re caught driving on a failed MOT, you can receive a fine of up to £2,500 and get three penalty points on your licence. 

If you think an MOT failure might be on the cards, having a range of car repair payment options is a good idea. If you get caught out by an expensive set of MOT-mandated fixes, you can manage it with minimum pain. 

If you think you might struggle with the repair costs needed to pass your MOT, 

 can help split your bill into interest-free instalments.

Unfortunately, there are some untrustworthy garages that will purposely try and fail your MOT so they can get more work out of you. Luckily, though, they are very much in the minority. Most garages are reputable businesses who want you to be a pleased customer. 

Can you drive with minor defects or advisory items? 

Along with a clear pass or fail, there are two more possible results that you may see on your MOT certificate: minor defects and advisories. Unlike things that will fail an MOT, these fall under the “Pass with defects” category, as seen 

An advisory item or note is an issue found during the MOT test that isn’t serious enough for failure but needs a service. 

These can be logged as advisories, allowing the MOT tester to communicate the car's general condition to the owner. The owner can then get these items repaired at their own leisure. 

Typical advisory items you may see on your MOT: 

A minor defect is a defect/problem that's not serious enough to fail the test but needs to be repaired soon. These are listed alongside the note to 'Repair as soon as possible' on the MOT. An example is seen 

Whilst there is no legal requirement to have these items fixed before the next MOT, it may be more likely for the next MOT tester to pay close attention to them when inspecting next year. 

Minor defects should be treated to save some money on car maintenance. Often, items considered minor defects can now become serious enough to be major defects and, therefore, cause a failed MOT next time. 

Some examples of common minor defects include: 

What do you do when you can’t afford MOT repairs? 

If you can’t afford MOT repairs, there are a few strategies you can use to get your MOT major defects repaired and your car back on the road. These payment plans include: 

There’s no one route that’s right for all when it comes to a failed MOT and affording the payments. Always remember to read the fine print before agreeing to any payment plans or loans. 

Yes, you need an MOT every year if your vehicle is over 3 years old. 

If you’ve had your vehicle tested at a garage before, they’ll likely send you a reminder when your next MOT is due. But if you have recently purchased the vehicle or haven’t heard from the garage, you can easily go 

 when your existing MOT certificate expires. 

No, there isn’t an MOT grace period. When your MOT has expired it’s instantly illegal to drive on the road. If you do, you may face prosecution. 

Depending on your location and the type of vehicle you drive, most garages can fit an MOT slot within a week. But it’s best to check well in advance so you’re not at risk of missing your MOT expiry. 

A handy trick that the DVSA allows and even 

 is to book your MOT one month before your current one expires. The expiry date of the new MOT will remain as it was. 

This gives you a 13-month MOT at the same cost as a 12-month one. 

Knowing what is checked during an MOT is good so you don’t get any nasty surprises. By knowing beforehand if there are any issues with your car, you can get them remedied before submitting it for its MOT. 

If you’ve got extended warranty cover through a third-party provider such as 

 check to see if any mechanical or electrical issues are covered and get them fixed before the MOT. 

Split the cost of repair work needed to pass your MOT with 

Apply for a credit limit between £60 - £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers across the country. 

If you think your car may not pass straight away, or if you rely on your car to get to work and cannot afford it to be off the road, there are a few steps to avoid failing an MOT. 

What Can Fail An MOT & What To Do Next

You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone, and that's definitely the case when your car is out for repairs. 

Being suddenly car-less can upend your life completely. How do I get to work? How will I get the kids to school? 

Where will I find the money to pay for servicing and parts? As with most major purchases, there are options for financing, from simply putting it on your credit card to getting a loan from a lender. But your credit card limit might not be enough, and even if it is, today's card interest rates can be punishing. 

A car repairs loan might be more attractive, but it can be time-consuming and complex to obtain, with applications, 

, and long waits. Meanwhile, you're still stuck without a car. 

Most of us return our cars to the dealer when something goes wrong. But will a car dealer let you finance an unexpected repair job? Keep reading to get the full answer. 

While many manufacturers have established repair financing programmes for new car owners, not every dealer in their networks participates. When they do, you may have to visit the dealership to complete an application in person. 

After that, the number of payments you can spread the cost over is often restricted to two or three. For repair jobs above £2,000, the 

And what do you do if you own a used car or one no longer covered by the manufacturer's warranty? 

Luckily, new finance options are available to help get you back in the driver's seat with minimum fuss and without gouging you with extra fees or high interest.

Can I pay for car repairs in instalments?

Yes! There are plenty of finance options to help you pay off your car repairs in small instalments. However, make sure you’re selecting a service without high fees or big interest payments (like 

New digital platforms are changing how we select and pay for products and services. Services like Klarna, for example, let you pay 'buy now and pay later' (BNPL) for things flexibly. 

You can make a purchase and try it out in real life before paying or spread the cost of a larger purchase out into manageable instalments. If you commit to a fixed schedule of payments at a fixed amount, the additional cost is often zero. 

 comes in. We're addressing the evolving ways customers want to pay for goods and services by bringing easy 'pay later' options to the automotive sphere. 

 lets you split a hefty repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, 

Not sure whether car finance is right for you? There are a few alternative options to help you pay off repairs without putting stress on your finances. 

One popular way is to borrow money from family and friends. Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone and depends on the financial situation of your loved ones. But it’s a great option if available. 

If you have an emergency fund set aside, you can use it to cover car repairs. An emergency fund is a separate bank of savings that’s only for emergencies. Many consider big car payments an unexpected expense, so if you can, now is a great time to dip into the emergency savings. 

You can also make quick cash via odd jobs or selling unwanted items. However, this might not work well if facing a significant cost. 

Finally, if the repairs are minor, you can fix them yourself. This is only a good idea if you have previous mechanic experience and the repairs have DIY fixes. If not, it’s always best to contact a professional. 

 offers car owners a simple four-step process for using its BNPL service. Here’s everything you need to know before using Bumper car repair finance: 

 ensures you never pay more for servicing or repairs when spreading the cost. And the maximum credit limit you’ve been offered is never shared with the garage.

 James Jackson and Jack Allman. A few years back, they saw a market opportunity to bring a BNPL service to the car repairs and aftersales market. The platform they’ve created provides car owners with a simple, interest-free way to access flexible payments that are both mobile and fully automated. 

Car owners love Bumper, and so do garages. Our unique AI-driven automotive scorecard helps avoid loan defaults. Over 60 percent of Britain’s 

 already use us, including Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, and Nissan. 

Stop worrying about unexpected car dealership repairs - The takeaway

, we’re committed to giving car owners more financial flexibility by taking the worry out of unexpected car repair costs. 

The automotive sector can be a bit old school when it comes to technology, but offering a BNPL option can help move it more in sync with consumer buying habits. 

In the post-COVID era, people have massively pivoted towards digital payment methods. 

 is helping bring the automotive aftermarket into the digital age. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Will a car dealer let me finance car repairs?

We’ve all been there. It’s morning, and you go to 

, but it just won’t start. Cue a few strong words. 

 can happen for a number of reasons. Whether it’s for maintenance, because you’ve left your lights on overnight and drained the battery, or the battery has degraded over time, there are plenty of reasons your battery has died. 

Keep reading to learn how to use a car battery charger to bring your vehicle back to life. 

Depending on the type of vehicle you have and what you’re using it for, you may need to use a variety of chargers. To break it down simply, there are two types of car battery chargers: 

A traditional car battery charger, or linear charger, can be used on most cars and has limited features. 

Standard chargers charge your vehicle by continuously delivering electricity to your battery. Over time, this may damage your battery health. Please note that these chargers are generally not suitable for vehicles with start-stop technology. 

Intelligent (or smart chargers) are more modern and have various settings and features that can help to maintain battery health. 

For example, trickle charging can feed charge into your battery very slowly when a vehicle is out of action for a while, or multi-stage charging can help maintain battery health. 

How you charge a car battery will vary depending on whether you want to get a flat battery started, charge a waning battery, or maintain health during storage. If unsure, contact a professional mechanic before you tinker under the bonnet! 

Be prepared for the job! Here’s what you need to charge your battery. 

Want to breathe new life into your car? Here’s a quick overview of how to use a car battery charger at home: 

How to use a battery charger while driving

Alongside charging your car when it’s stationary, you can charge your battery by driving. Of course, this won’t work if your battery is completely dead. But if your car is idle for long periods, you can drive it to keep the battery topped up. 

Most cars require around 30 minutes of motorway driving to recharge fully. If your vehicle hasn’t been driven for a long time, it might take more than 30 minutes. So, make more than a quick trip to the shops to keep your battery healthy. 

Can I charge a car battery without a charger?

Technically, your car is supposed to charge itself with a part called an alternator. The alternator is a magnetic coil that’s powered by the engine. It generates current that goes back into the battery and charges as you drive. Faulty 

 are the most common cause of a dead battery. 

How to use car battery charger - Extra tips to know

Take a note of these extra tips before making that all-important car battery charger connection. 

If you want to avoid any battery scares, you can help maintain a healthy battery by: 

Get rid of any dirt or grime before it has a chance to get into your battery cells and cause damage. 

If you have a vehicle that is rarely used or has a long layoff, make sure you regularly charge the battery to avoid it becoming depleted and damaged. 

Over-charging can cause damage to your battery. To avoid this, make sure you charge at a low level and unplug your charger when it’s done. 

Generally, car batteries can perform at a good level for 4 years, so you should replace yours at that frequency. 

Final thoughts on how to use a car battery charger

A flat battery is nothing short of annoying. But luckily, this is an easy fix! Hopefully, this blog has helped you recharge your car battery without muss or fuss. Bookmark the page so you can return when it’s time to boost your battery. 

Do you need a service to check on battery health, or do you need a full replacement? Use our 

 feature and pay for your repairs or parts in easy-to-manage monthly car repairs. 

How to use a Car Battery Charger

Not only is an MOT a legal obligation, but it is also an important way of ensuring your vehicle is safe for you and for other road users. We look at MOT tests and break down the common deadlines and jargon, so you’ll never miss yours. 

An MOT test is a legally required vehicle test mandated by the Ministry of Transport. It includes a range of safety and environmental tests on your vehicle, to ensure it is legally safe to drive on roads in the UK. Elements such as the steering,

, seatbelts, tires and lights are checked. The engine, clutch and gearbox are not checked as part of an MOT. 

If you pass these tests, you are given an MOT certificate, one of the legally required documents you’ll need to drive or park your vehicle on public roads. 

An MOT certificate is a legally required document so driving without one is breaking the law. Driving without a valid MOT could mean you’re hit with a fine of up to £1,000 and your insurance could be invalidated. 

If you're worried about failing your MOT, you'll want to read our guide to 

When you need an MOT depends on your vehicle. You must get an MOT: 

Within three years of registering a new vehicle 

By the anniversary of your vehicle’s last MOT if it is more than 3 years old. 

Please note: Some vehicles, like taxis, will require an MOT test within a year of being registered, so please check t

An MOT test certificate lasts 12 months after your MOT test has passed. If you want to keep the same renewal date, you are only able to get a new MOT test up to a month (minus a day) before your old MOT test expires. If you want a new date, you can get it done earlier but your renewal date will change to a year (minus a day) after your new test was completed. 

If you can’t find your documents and need to check when your next MOT is due, you can find out easily based on your registration plate. Visit .gov

If you're concerned about the costs associated with any repairs that might arise from your MOT, then Bumper is here to help. Split the costs of car repair loans into interest-free monthly payments. 

Yes, it's true! Speed cameras are now able to check a car's MOT status. Don't risk driving without a valid MOT to avoid fines!

This is a common myth in the UK, but your MOT cannot be overdue by even one day. You need to take it the garage before the MOT is due to avoid a fine and make sure your insurance is valid.

No, there is no grace period for an MOT. You need to take your car to a garage for its MOT before the due date to avoid any consequences. 

You must use a registered MOT centre to get your MOT test. Often, MOT centres may be in car garages where repairs required to pass your test can also take place. To tell if a garage is a registered MOT centre, look for the blue sign with three white triangles. 

The cost of an MOT costs will vary depending on the type of vehicle you own. However, the maximum cost for any vehicle in the UK is £124.50, which is for large passenger vehicles for over 16 passengers. The vast majority of standard cars and motorcycles, however, will cost a maximum of £54.85. 

ost of an MOT test or repairs that are needed in order for your vehicle to pass, BUMPER offer 

n spread the costs of tests and repairs with no interest.

When is my MOT due?

Cars are complex things, there are many different mechanisms, moving parts and components that can fail. This is why the noises they make when faulty, can be a great indicator of what is going wrong.

Below we’ll explain what some common car noises mean, and when to be concerned with them and get them fixed. 

Bumper knows a large repair bill on your car is the last thing you want to spend your money on, but sometimes repairs can't be avoided. 

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost or repairs into with

Clicking noise and the engine not starting 

If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start your vehicle, there may be a problem with the electrics – and more specifically the battery in your car. 

This clicking noise may be a sign that the battery does not have enough power to crank the engine because it is faulty, or your car has a 

Most service centres or garages will be able to do a free battery health check. Batteries most commonly fail around 

winter time, when the engine is harder to turn over

 and the battery is at near zero temperatures. 

If your engine squeals when started, it is usually the auxiliary belt. Also known as the fan belt or serpentine belt, it drives the ancillary components such as 

Because these components all draw rotational power from the engine, the belt is under a large load when first starting, this in combination with rubber belts becoming harder and less ‘grippy’ when cold, the belt can slip and cause a noise. 

Whilst the noise will usually go quickly when it first develops, it will get worse the longer its left. In some cases the belt can simply be tightened and this will remedy the problem, 

If the belt is not tightened or replaced to prevent the squeal, it will ‘glaze’ meaning the surface becomes shiny and no longer grips. Once this happens the belt will slip much more. 

Whilst this does not appear to be a huge problem, the belt will eventually snap due to the unindented wear. A snapped auxiliary belt will leave you stranded, as the battery will no longer be charging, and in some cases the 

, which could cause serious engine damage. 

If you sometimes hear a loud metallic sounding, high frequency tapping when the engine is started, that fades away after a few seconds, you may need to check your engine oil. 

Some cars have hydraulic tappets on the camshafts. These are simply devices that allow your engine to run with less maintenance than the old fashioned alternative - manual adjusted tappets. 

Because the tappets are hydraulic, they use the engine’s oil to operate. If your car's engine oil is low, it can take a few seconds for the oil to reach the tappets, which are right on top of the engine. 

Learn how to spread your car repairs over monthly repayments

Are loud hydraulic tappets a big problem? 

In some cars, the tappet noise is perfectly normal, even with the correct amount of oil in the engine. It is likely to be more prominent on 

, and when the car is left with the engine off for a period of time - such as overnight. 

If your engine oil is at the correct level and is the right grade for your car, and your engine makes a loud tapping noise when started every time, it may be a good time to take it to a mechanic. 

It is important when trying to diagnose or describe a car noise that you think is causing a problem, to listen out for the particular circumstance that causes the noise. These details can help a mechanic diagnose the problem and fix your car faster! 

Suspension systems are made up of multiple links and joints. Over time these wear out and become loose, causing noises when the car drives over a bump or pot-hole at speed. 

Another potential source of noises from the underneath of your car is the exhaust system. As this is suspended from rubber hangers, these wear out and allow the

 itself to move excessively, banging into the underside of the car. 

What causes a loud bang under my car when driving? 

If you hear a loud bang from your car where the noise is a deeper tone and sounds as though it's coming from the back or front of the car, it could be the suspension. Common replacement parts are wishbone bushes, track rod ends and drop links. 

If it appears to be coming from directly underneath and is more hollow and metallic in tone - like the sound of a metal pan being hit with a spoon, it’s more likely an exhaust issue. 

Find out more about car warning lights and what to do about them.

Is your car making a "whirring noise" when driving?

A car making a "whirring noise" can be caused by any 

. For example, if there’s an issue with your power steering system such as a leak, you may hear this noise when turning the wheel, and especially when turned all the way in either direction. 

You should address any issues with power steering as soon as possible with 

Also, if you hear a whirring noise that seems like it's coming from your engine then you'll want to get to your local mechanic quickly. 

Other common sources of whirring noises and water pumps, alternators, air conditioning pumps and worn clutches - anything that spins, will have a bearing in, and can wear out. 

 can cause parts such as the pump pulley to wobble as they rotate causing the noise as you drive. If you don’t replace any faulty parts in your water pump, your engine may overheat and fail. 

A consistent humming noise may have very different causes based on where the noise appears to be coming from and when it happens. 

If the noise occurs when the car is stationary, it’s a sign that the issue may be a leak from a part that moves irrespective of whether the car is moving or not, e.g. your exhaust system. 

What causes a humming noise when driving? 

If the humming noise only happens when you’re driving it may be something more serious, such as 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

What Can Fail An MOT & What To Do Next

Will a car dealer let me finance car repairs?

How to use a Car Battery Charger

When is my MOT due?

9 Car Noises To Look Out For (And What To Do)

Here’s Why You Should NOT Use Payday Loans For Car Repairs

Buy Now PayLater vs. Credit Cards

Dashboard Warning Lights: A Complete Guide for Your Car