Some people, sadly, suffer from one of the following problems when taking their car for an MOT. They either disagree with the outcome of the test because it has failed incorrectly, or even passed incorrectly. The latter is usually a problem associated with new second hand car owners.

If you believe you have failed you MOT test on incorrect grounds, you must speak to your MOT test station before they start any repairs. Of course, you are still not allowed to drive the vehicle yet on the basis that it has failed an MOT test.

The next step is to complain to the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) by filling in a VT17 form, which your MOT test station can provide you with. If not, ring the VOSA helpline and ask for the form to be sent to you immediately.

You can only appeal within a short period of time (14 days of the test). Once your appeal is received, VOSA will book you in for a second MOT test. However, you will have to cover the full test fee. If it is found that the MOT tester was in fact incorrect, you will have some of the fee refunded, however, if the original MOT test was correct you will have to carry out the repairs before you are able to drive again.

If you believe your car has passed an MOT incorrectly, it’s your duty to ring VOSA immediately in order to make an MOT test appointment. A fee for this test is subject to conditions. VOSA offer this service free of charge if the vehicle was last MOT tested less than three months ago if the problem is corrosion; otherwise it’s a maximum of 28 days ago for any other problem.

Remember if you are receiving any problems with your MOT, it may be a good idea to ring VOSA to have the vehicle retested. This may be at an additional cost, but it will determine if your car is currently safe or not.

If your MOT is on the horizon and you live in the Midlands, have a look at mot Coventry at www.binleywoodsservicecentre.co.uk.