Pandamonkey

I've never had a car fail before, so I would like to ask what happens when you do?
I know you get some sort of conditional pass........
How long does it last for before they make you test again?

StreamlineZ28

it goes something like this. take the car in get it tested, if it fails you get 3 months to fix it and get it retested. you spend 300 bux to get it fixed (so say a cat) and if it still doesnt pass then they let you go for the year. so in other words it is just a money grab and you could probably just pay them the 48 plus 300 if you knew it would fail and just get your insurance.

95wagon

A conditional pass can be issued by the testing center after you have had the car checked or repair is attempted by a certified AirCare shop.
Conditional passes are issued if the car still does not pass the emissions test after the certified shop has attempted to repair the car or the cost to repair the car exceeds the air care cost limit for the car and the owner declines to have those repairs performed.
The conditional pass allows you to purchase a full year of insurance.
Mind you anyone can repair the car but it will not be eligible for a conditional pass and must get a "clean pass".
Depending on the year of your car the repair limit will vary and newer cars must have all emission components in place regardless of cost.

The other route people take is after a fail is purchase 90 days of insurance but this can be done only once per year.
The following link may help
http://www.aircare.ca/