Appeals against MOT Inspections
If a motorist
who has recently had a vehicle MOT tested disagrees with the outcome of the inspection,
they are entitled to an appeal against the decision. The appeal must be lodged
with the VOSA/DVA within twenty-eight days of the original test date if the item(s)
in question are mechanical in nature.
Three months are allowed for corrosion issues, except for corrosion of brake discs,
brake lines or the exhaust system. Mileage, or the lack thereof, incurred after
the inspection has no relevance to the appeal even if the vehicle has not been
used for several months after the test.
If the items in question are repaired, replaced or removed from the vehicle, the
right of the owner to appeal becomes null and void. Failure due to items that
are easily replaced, such as tyres or windscreen wiper blades, may not be appealed
against, as it cannot be adequately determined if they were the ones fitted at
the time of inspection.
To appeal against an MOT pass is free of charge however, to appeal against a failure
will incur a fee whose value would amount to the normal maximum price of an MOT
for that vehicle. This fee will then be refunded if the appellate inspection finds
in favor of the motorist lodging the appeal.
If the appellate inspection finds the vehicle was incorrectly diagnosed, the VOSA/DVA
takes appropriate action against the station involved. This can range from penalty
points being issued for minor infringements, to the station's MOT license being
rescinded for more major violations.
The VOSA/DVA has only the power to discipline the station involved and cannot
pursue compensation of any kind for the complainant; that is the responsibility
of Trading Standards. An MOT station cannot be held responsible for defects that
occur to the vehicle several months after the test was conducted. The appeal process
and how to lodge one is outlined on the reverse of the VT20 pass certificate and
the VT30 failure notice.
MOT Failure Certificate
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If you are unhappy with your MOT service
If you are unhappy with the way your test was carried out please let VOSA
know as it helps to know that MOT test stations are providing a good service.
Contact the Area Manager at your local VOSA office. The address is shown on the
Fees and Appeals poster displayed at your MOT test station or you can ring VOSA
on 0300 123 9000.
