Form

Appeal an MOT test result

You can appeal an MOT test result if you think it's wrong, for example, if the vehicle failed its MOT and you think it should have passed.

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
29 July 2015
Last updated
24 October 2019 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Appeal an MOT test result

Ref: VT17

PDF, 128 KB, 5 pages

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Details

Use this form to appeal to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if your car, motorcycle or van:

  • failed its MOT, and you think it should have passed
  • passed its MOT, and you think it should have failed

Do not have your vehicle repaired before DVSA considers your appeal. Changes to your vehicle can affect the outcome of the appeal.

There are different forms to appeal a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or trailer MOT test results and to appeal a public service vehicle (PSV) MOT test result.

If your vehicle failed

  1. Discuss your test result with the MOT centre before anyone starts repairs. Move to step 2 if you still think the result is wrong.

  2. Fill in the form and email it to csccomplaints@dvsa.gov.uk within 14 working days of the test.

  3. DVSA will contact you within 5 working days to discuss your appeal.

  4. Arrange a date for a retest if DVSA decides your vehicle needs to be retested. You’ll need to pay the full test fee again.

  5. You’ll get some or all of the fee refunded if your appeal is successful.

If your vehicle passed

  1. Fill in the form and email it to csccomplaints@dvsa.gov.uk within 28 days of the test. If it’s a corrosion-related problem, you have 3 months to appeal.

  2. DVSA will contact you within 5 working days to discuss your appeal.

  3. Arrange a date for a retest if DVSA decides your vehicle needs to be retested. There is no fee to pay.

  4. You’ll get an inspection report listing any vehicle defects and advisory items.

Other ways to send your appeal

Post the form to DVSA if you cannot email it.

DVSA
The Ellipse
Padley Road
Swansea
SA1 8AN

Published 29 July 2015
Last updated 24 October 2019 + show all updates

  1. Updated the appeal form and the updated the guidance to make it clearer that you should not have your vehicle repaired before DVSA considers your appeal.

  2. Updated with the latest version of the complaint form.

  3. An updated version of the form has been published.

  4. First published.

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