Failing a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) can feel stressful, but it’s a common part of vehicle ownership. Here’s what happens if your car doesn’t meet the standard, and what you need to do next.
What you receive after a failed WOF
If your vehicle doesn’t pass, you’ll be given an inspection sheet that lists the items needing repair. Along with this, you’ll usually receive a quote for the cost of parts and labour.
At AutoSparks, we also point out any extra maintenance that makes sense to do at the same time, so you only need one booking.
Are you still warranted?
No. If your car fails its WOF, it is no longer warranted from the date of inspection. That means you can’t legally drive it on the road, except for taking it to a place of repair.
Driving without a current WOF can lead to fines and, more importantly, can put you at risk if the car isn’t safe.
How long do you have to fix it?
You have 28 days to get the repairs done and return for re-inspection. We or another repairer can carry out the work. If the recheck is done within that period, you won’t need to pay for a whole new inspection.
Can you drive it in the meantime?
You’re not meant to drive a car that has failed its WOF, apart from going directly to a workshop for repairs. Most police are reasonable if you’re clearly on your way to get it fixed, and we keep records of bookings and parts ordered to show your vehicle is in the process of being repaired.
If a car is unsafe to drive, we’ll let you know straight away and help with alternative options, such as a loan vehicle.
Failing a WOF isn’t the end of the world; it’s simply a chance to get your vehicle back to a safe standard. With the right repairs, you’ll be back on the road with confidence in no time.
