What do I do if the MOT Equipment fails?
Testing must stop on any class or type of vehicle as soon as any mandatory item of equipment malfunctions in a way that could prevent a test being properly conducted and DVSA should be notified, preferably in writing.
DVSA Customer Service Centre
0300 123 9000
Opening hours 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday
email customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Unless DVSA has been notified that testing has been suspended, test equipment which is clearly malfunctioning, inoperative or missing a mandatory upgrade, regardless of its calibration status, may attract sanctions – see disciplinary action and Special Notice 3-2020
Testing must not be resumed until the equipment is properly repaired.
If equipment fails during a test but before its use has been completed, the test must be aborted and any fee paid returned.
If the test is cancelled on the MOT Testing Service a VT30 must be issued, stating the reason why the test was abandoned or aborted
All testing equipment must be kept in good working order and measuring apparatus must be kept calibrated in accordance with DVSA’s requirements. Testing must stop on any class or type of vehicle, if any mandatory item of equipment falls out of calibration, is unable to connect to the MOT testing service when required or malfunctions in a way that could prevent a test being properly conducted on that class or type of vehicle.
There are three exceptions to above
- Where a roller or plate brake tester malfunctions testing may continue, for up to 2 working days from the time the defect occurred, using the DVSA approved decelerometer. Only tests booked before the malfunction can be carried out under this arrangement.
- Where the wheel free play detector malfunctions at an ATL or OPTL approved VTS, testing may continue for 7 calendar days from the time the defect occurred, using the conventional method with an assistant for those specific parts of the test. After that testing cannot continue.
- Where an item of connected equipment is unable to connect to the MOT Testing Service but otherwise is performing correctly, testing may continue for up to 7 calendar days from the time the defect occurred. After that testing cannot continue for vehicles that require that equipment.
Details of the assistant used should be handwritten on the inspection sheet/record of testing.
See What happens if my MOT equipment fails and it cannot be repaired?