Scrap & Non-RunnersIf your car fails its MOT, you can only drive it away if your current MOT is still in date and no “dangerous” problems were found. Otherwise it must be repaired before you drive it. The car can still be moved on a recovery truck: to another garage, home, to a buyer or to a scrapyard.
Can you drive it away?
| Your situation | Can you drive it? |
|---|---|
| Old MOT still valid, only “major” problems | Yes, but it must still be roadworthy |
| Any “dangerous” problem | No, it must be repaired first |
| Old MOT expired, no dangerous problems | Only to a place of repair or a pre-booked MOT test |
Driving with a “dangerous” problem can mean a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and 3 penalty points (GOV.UK). Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000. The exceptions are driving to or from somewhere to be repaired, or to a pre-arranged MOT test (GOV.UK).
Option 1: Repair it at the testing garage
This is usually the simplest choice, because the car is already there. Ask for a written quote for each failed item. Major and dangerous items must be fixed for the car to pass; advisories are not.
Option 2: Take it to another garage
You are free to get a second quote. If the car cannot be driven legally, it has to be carried on a truck. See how to move a car that can’t be driven.
Option 3: Sell it as it is
Some buyers take cars with MOT failures. Give the buyer the MOT result so they know what is wrong, and tell DVLA you have sold it.
Option 4: Scrap it
If the repairs cost more than the car is worth, scrapping may make sense. It has to go to an authorised treatment facility. See how to scrap a car in the UK.
Keeping it off the road for now
If you are not ready to decide, you can declare the car off the road (SORN) and keep it on a drive or private land. A SORN car cannot be kept or used on a public road. The one exception is driving it to or from a pre-booked MOT or other test. Using it otherwise can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 (GOV.UK).
Moving a car after a failed MOT
AXI Recovery moves cars from MOT centres to any garage or address you choose, across Essex, East London and Dartford, 24/7. See car recovery, or call +44 7342 850180.
Related guides
- How to move a car that can’t be driven
- How to scrap a car in the UK: step by step
- Scrapping a car: tax, insurance and number plates
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