Difference Between MOT VT30 And VT20 Certificate

If you are a UK citizen with a car, then you must be aware of the MOT test. The MOT test is a legal requirement to get your 3-year-old car inspected to make sure it’s roadworthy and safe to drive. Still, there are a lot of people who are not familiar with the MOT certification and what it means.

Being a car owner, you should know what your MOT certificate states and what the key points included in it are. But now you don’t have to worry because, in this blog, we are going to break down each point included in your MOT certificate and what it means. Keep reading this short guide to know the code language of your certificate.

Want to book an MOT test in Aldershot? Consider Gforce Tyres; they have certified inspectors to get your vehicle inspected thoroughly.

What is a VT20 Certificate?

The VT20 certificate is an MOT test pass certificate stating that your vehicle has successfully passed the MOT test. Some VT20 certificates also include advisory items, which state the minor defects noted during your test that don’t fail the MOT. The timeline of the certificate is one year, and after every year, you have to get your vehicle retested.

What is a VT30 Certificate?

The VT30 certificate declares your vehicle as having failed the MOT test. And receiving this certificate upon MOT inspection, your vehicle has failed its MOT, and you are not legally allowed to drive on the road. It doesn’t meet the minimum legal requirements for road safety. The certificate includes the list of specific faults that resulted in the failure of the test, and your vehicle is categorized as dangerous. To make your vehicle roadworthy, you have to book your MOT retest to be done within 10 days at the same garage where your test was conducted.

What is VT32?

A VT32 certificate is an advisory notice that includes items of concern identified during the test that don’t declare the failure of your MOT, but the fixes need to be done. 

Key Differences Between VT20 and VT30 Certificates

Let’s break down the major differences between these two documents:

Feature	VT20 (Pass)	VT30 (Fail)
Test Result	Passed	Failed
Legal to Drive?	Yes	No (with exceptions)
Included Details	Pass, advisories, expiry date	Major/dangerous defects
Purpose	Proves roadworthiness	Shows reason for failure
Next Steps	Keep driving, fix advisories	Arrange repairs, MOT retest

Can You Drive With a VT30 Certificate?

Usually, you cannot drive with a VT30 unless:

• You are driving to a pre-booked MOT retest
• You are driving to or from a garage for repairs
• Even then, the vehicle must be roadworthy. If police stop you and the car is unsafe, you could still get a fine or points on your license.

What If You Lose Your MOT Certificate?

If you lose your VT20 or VT30, it is possible to get a replacement. Garages can reprint a copy for a small fee, or you can download your MOT history from the UK government website using your registration number.

How Long Do You Have to Fix a VT30 Fail?

A VT30 does not set a deadline for repairs, but you cannot drive on public roads (other than allowed exceptions) until you pass the retest and get a VT20. If your previous MOT certificate is still in date, you can drive legally unless the car is deemed “dangerous.” However, driving an unsafe vehicle could result in fines and points.

Understanding MOT Retests and Fees

After a VT30 fails, you’ll need to repair your vehicle and take a retest. Most MOT centres offer a free or reduced-price retest if you return within 10 working days. If you miss this window, you may need to pay the full MOT fee again. 

Common Reasons for Receiving a VT30 Certificate

Some of the most frequent fail points include:

• Faulty lights or indicators
• Worn brake pads or discs
• Bald or damaged tyres
• Windscreen wiper or screenwash issues
• Exhaust emissions too high
• Structural rust or sharp edges

Your VT30 will spell out exactly which faults led to the failure.

What Happens After You Get Your VT20?

After you receive a VT20, keep it in a safe place. Many people now use digital MOT certificates, which you can check online. Your VT20 confirms you have met all the standards and your road tax and insurance can remain valid. 

MOT test Checklist

Category	Item to Check	Pass (✓)	Fail (✗)	Pass/Fail Measure
Exterior	Headlights, indicators, brake & number plate lights	✓		All lights must be working and visible.
	Windscreen (no major chips or cracks)		✗	No crack >10mm in the driver’s view or 40mm elsewhere
	Wiper blades condition	✓		No damage and the screen was effectively.
	The windscreen washer fluid was topped up.	✓		Must spray onto screen effectively
	Mirrors intact and secure	✓		No cracks and securely mounted
	Number plates are clean & legally formatted.	✓		Must be readable, legal font & spacing
	Doors open/close properly from inside and out	✓		Must open/close easily from inside & outside
	Bonnet and boot shut securely.	✓		Must stay securely closed
Tyres & Wheels	Minimum 1.6mm tread depth		✗	Tread depth across ¾ of the tyre must be ≥1.6mm.
	No cuts, bulges, or damage	✓		No visible sidewall damage or cord exposure
	Wheels correctly aligned	✓		No excessive wear indicating misalignment
	(Optional) Spare tyre in good condition	✓		Good condition but not required for MOT
Under the Bonnet	Brake fluid level	✓		Filled to the required level
	Engine oil level	✓		Within the min-max mark on the dipstick
	Coolant level	✓		Adequate level and no leaks
	Battery-secure and leak-free	✓		Firmly mounted and has no corrosion/leakage
Brakes & Steering	Brakes responsive, no pulling or noises	✓		Brakes must work evenly and effectively.
	The handbrake holds the vehicle on a slope.	✓		Must hold firmly on an incline
	The steering wheel has no excessive play.		✗	Steering should feel stable, with no looseness
Interior	Horn works properly	✓		Must sound clear and be loud enough
	Seat belts working and undamaged	✓		Must retract, lock, and have no damage
	Seats secure and adjustable	✓		Must be fixed and safe
	No dashboard warning lights lit		✗	No engine/ABS/airbag light should be on
Exhaust & Emissions	No excessive smoke or noise from the exhaust	✓		No loud noise or visible smoke
	Engine emissions within legal limits	✓		Must pass emissions test (based on fuel type)
Suspension & Underbody	Shock absorbers and suspension working with no noises	✓		No leaks or knocking noises
	No serious rust or structural damage under the car	✓		The chassis must be structurally sound.

Steps to Book an MOT Retest at GForce Tyres

1. Check Eligibility for a Retest

•   If the failure occurred at GForce Tyres and the repairs are done there, you’re eligible for a same-day or partial retest at no extra cost, as long as the retest is done within 10 working days of the failed test.
•   Common free retest items include bulbs, tyres, mirrors, seatbelts, and wipers

2. Contact GForce Tyres

•   Phone or visit the garage to:

1. Confirm they performed your initial MOT.
2. Let them know your vehicle failed and will be repaired there.
3. Request a retest appointment on, the same day or the next working day.

GForce Tyres (Aldershot)
183 Ash Road, Aldershot, GU12 4DD
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat 08:00–17:00

3. Bring Your Vehicle Back

•   Return your car the same day or within 10 working days to get a retest.
•   Repairs must be done by GForce themselves; otherwise, it becomes a full MOT (full fee). If you had repairs done elsewhere, you’ll likely need to pay a full MOT fee or a partial retest fee.

4. Confirm Booking & Drop-Off

•   Confirm the appointment slot with the garage.
•   They should retest only the previously corrected items, not the full MOT checklist if done within the window.

5. Collect Your Vehicle

•   If your vehicle passes the retest, you’ll receive the MOT certificate.
•   If it fails again (rare for same-item issues), you’ll need another repair and retest.

Quick Summary

Scenario For Retest

Repairs at Gforce Tyres, retest same day or within 10 working days, and get a free retest.

Conclusion

The MOT test is vital for road safety in the UK. The certificates you receive, VT20 for a pass and VT30 for a fail, are legal documents showing your vehicle’s status. The key difference is whether your car is roadworthy or not. The VT20 keeps you on the road, while the VT30 points out what must change before you can drive again.

Always read your certificate carefully, note any advisories, and plan for repairs promptly. Take MOTs seriously, they keep you and other drivers safe. If you ever lose your certificate or have questions, your MOT testing centre can help.