Drivable vs Not Drivable: What It Means & When Recovery Fees Apply

When booking a repair, it's essential to know whether your vehicle is drivable or not, as this affects how your booking is handled and whether a recovery fee will apply.

✅ What is a Drivable Vehicle?

A vehicle is considered drivable if:

• It starts and runs under its own power
  
  
• It can be moved safely and legally on public roads
  
  
• There are no immediate safety concerns (e.g. working brakes, no fluid leaks or steering faults)
  
  
• It is taxed and has a valid MOT, unless the booking is for an MOT appointment.

If your vehicle is drivable:

• You will be eligible for free collection and delivery if assigned to a garage
  
  
• Many repairs can be completed at your location by a mobile mechanic
  
  

💡 If your vehicle is booked for an MOT and does not currently have a valid MOT, it may still be driven legally to a pre-booked MOT test, provided it is safe and roadworthy.

❌ What is a Not Drivable Vehicle?

A vehicle is considered not drivable if:

• It won’t start, cuts out, or can’t move under its own power
  
  
• It has a serious mechanical fault (e.g. clutch, brake, or gearbox failure)
  
  
• It is unsafe to drive (e.g. leaking fluids, failed brakes, exposed parts)
  
  
• It is not taxed or MOT'd, and the booking is not for an MOT
  
  
• It has been in an accident or is visibly damaged
  
  

If your vehicle is not drivable and is a repair that requires a garage — a flat recovery fee of £70 applies.

🏭 Common Repairs That Require a Garage (Recovery Applies if Not Drivable)

If your car is not drivable and you're booking one of the following repairs, recovery will be required:

• Clutch replacement
  
  
• Head gasket work
  
  
• Engine or fuel system repairs
  
  
• Suspension and steering component replacements
  
  
• MOT failure-related repairs (e.g. emissions, structural faults)
  
  
• Any job requiring specialist tools or a workshop ramp
  
  

💷 What Does Recovery Cost?

• The recovery fee is a flat £70
  
  
• It includes vehicle transport to the assigned garage
  
  
• It is arranged directly by the garage — no third-party towing needed
  
  
• You’ll be contacted with pickup details once recovery is confirmed
  
  

📦 How to Add Recovery

1. Choose your repair
   
   
2. Search for and select “Recovery”
   
   
3. The fee will be added to your quote before confirming your booking