UK MOT question

My other half had her car MOT tested and they told her her that because there was excessive play in a suspension ball joint that her car was being written off as unsafe to drive and her tax and insurance would be invalid.
This seems a bit excessive to me, potentially scare mongering to get the work done.
Her current MOT is valid until the end of the month so surely they can’t just write that off themselves.
I’m not a mechanic and have limited knowledge of engines but ball joint issues are quite common but its the first time I’ve heard of an MOT station writing a car off. Any thoughts??
Answer #1
Appeals against MOT Inspections
If a motorist who has recently had a vehicle MOT tested disagrees with the outcome of the inspection, they are entitled to an appeal against the decision. The appeal must be lodged with the VOSA/DVA within twenty-eight days of the original test date if the item(s) in question are mechanical in nature. http://www.motuk.com/Appeal-against-MOT-Inspection.asp
Answer #2
Thanks for that but I’m not questioning if there is an issue with the ball joint but as to whether an MOT station can write off a car that technically still has a valid MOT? I know insurance companies can but an MOT testing station. I think they were trying to get her to get the work done there and then. It just all seems a bit excessive to me. I’ve just checked the VOSA site and her car is showing her tax and MOT as valid.
Answer #3
As far as I am aware an MOT station can not write off a car but they can advise it is unsave to drive away from an MOT station and must be towed away, but your MOT and Tax is still valid until it runs out. I would get a second option from an other garage.
Answer #4
MOT cannot write a car off.
You can still have fully valid tax and insurance – but you can’t drive the car after the MOT period (in that you have the new MOT done before the old one runs out). You still have valid tax and insurance BUT no MOT = no drive the car.
Yes, the ball joint is a valid MOT failure – but I suggest you report them to VOSA or MOT standards, they are obviously lying and trying to scare you into the work (I bet they over charge too).
Answer #5
Thanks for the replies, we actually had new o/s n/s wishbones, track rod ends and pads replaced in July this year by a mechanic who is a friend of my dads so how a n/s ball joint in the suspension arm could have gone already is beyond me. We’ve got the receipt for the work so I guess I’ll have to take it back to him to check it out.