TAKING ACTION: There are three ways you can to take action against an MOT test centre.
It will depend on the circumstances but there are several ways to make a complaint. You can either:
- Report the MOT testing centre to the police.
- Search online to find your local Trading Standards office and report MOT problems to them.
- Start personal proceedings by hiring the services of a professional (e.g. a legal adviser).
Note: Some complaints should go direct to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). Contact the DVSA if you think a vehicle should not have passed the MOT. But, the DVSA do not help you take action against an MOT centre.
How to Appeal after MOT Failure
If your car fails the MOT test you should discuss the result with the test centre. So, you should make a complaint before anyone starts to repair the vehicle.
If you believe a ‘failure’ is the wrong test result you can make an appeal. Use the complaint form titled ‘Complain about an MOT‘ if you think it should have passed.
Fill in the form and then send it to the DVSA within fourteen (14) working days of the vehicle test. The DVSA will make contact with you within five (5) days after they get the form to discuss the MOT appeals process.
Often, the DVSA will want to recheck the vehicle. In this case, you must arrange a date for them to inspect it and you must pay the full MOT test fee again. Afterwards, DVSA send out an inspection report which lists any defects on the vehicle.
Note: Do not get the vehicle repaired until the Ministry of Transport appeal process finishes.
If You Think Your Car Should Not Have Passed
You should complain to the DVSA if you think your car should not have passed its MOT test. You can use the same appeals complaint form for these types of MOT problems.
Fill in the form and then send it to the DVSA within the specified time limits. The DVSA will make contact with you within five (5) days to discuss the details of the complaint.
You must arrange a date for inspection if the DVSA want to recheck the vehicle. But, there will be no repeat test fee for this particular type of DVSA recheck. You will get an inspection report that lists any defects found on the vehicle.
MOT Complaint Time Limits
There are specific time limits for making a complaint after a vehicle passes its MOT. You must complain within:
- 28 days for almost all vehicle defects.
- 3 months of the MOT test for a corrosion-related problem.
Checking an MOT Certificate is Genuine
What if you think the MOT certificate is not genuine? You can check vehicle MOT status online through the vehicle enquiry service.
Complaining about MOT Service
Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you are unhappy with the MOT service you received.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 6pm
UK phone call charge rates.
Note: Another section explains how to report an MOT tester or centre for fraudulent activities and what happens afterwards.