Guides › Car Repairs and Garages › Disagree With an MOT Result
Disagree with an MOT Result
If you disagree with an MOT result, do not have repairs made until the appeal process has finished. Send DVSA the complaint form within 14 working days of the test; DVSA should contact you within 5 days. If DVSA rechecks a failed vehicle, you pay the full test fee again and get it refunded if your appeal succeeds.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
MOT Disputes
Disagreeing with a Result
If you disagree with an MOT result, do not have repairs made until the appeal process has finished. Send DVSA the complaint form within 14 working days of the test, and DVSA should contact you within 5 days. source
DVSA Rechecks
If DVSA rechecks a failed vehicle, you arrange a date and pay the full test fee again, and get it refunded if your appeal succeeds. If your car passed but should have failed, the recheck is free. DVSA cannot take action against a test centre for you, but Trading Standards can be contacted. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 working daysMOT failure appeal to DVSAWithin 14 working days of the test
- 5 daysDVSA to contact youWithin 5 days of your complaint
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Do not have repairs made yet: wait until the appeal has finished.
Step 2 of 5
Keep the MOT result and note the date of the test.
Step 3 of 5
Send DVSA the complaint form within 14 working days of the test.
Step 4 of 5
If DVSA arranges a recheck, book a date. You pay the full test fee again, refunded if your appeal succeeds.
Step 5 of 5
For other problems with the test centre, contact Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
DVSA, for MOT Test Problems
If you disagree with an MOT result. Use the complaint form within 14 working days.
Citizens Advice or Advice Direct Scotland
Before paying under protest, or if you are not sure of your rights.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
If your car passed but should have failed, the DVSA recheck is free.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/getting-an-mot/problems-with-your-test-result Checked 12 October 2026
- anglesey.gov.wales/en/residents/trading-standards-guidance/consumer-advice/problems-with-motor-vehicles/337174 Checked 12 October 2026