Failing an MOT can be a stressful experience, but don't worry – the MOT retest doesn’t have to be.
An MOT retest is a quick, cost-effective way to get you the pass certificate you need, without completing the full checklist again.
If your vehicle didn’t pass, we’re here to help you approach the retest with confidence.
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What Is an MOT Retest?
An MOT retest can be a full or partial test that happens after an MOT failure.
MOT retests provide proof that any major or dangerous faults highlighted during the initial test have been fixed.
An MOT retest will usually only check the parts of your vehicle that failed the initial test.
MOT Retest Rules
There are certain rules regarding MOT retests that determine whether your vehicle is eligible for a partial or full retest.
Leaving Your Vehicle at the Same Garage
Some test centres provide partial MOT retests free of charge, in which the vehicle can be checked for the fault(s) it originally failed on.
Most garages will only offer one free partial retest per full examination.
If you leave your car at the test centre for repair and it is retested within 10 working days, you will only need a partial retest and won’t need to pay.
You likewise won’t have to pay again if you take the car back to the same test centre before the end of the next working day for a partial retest on certain items, including the following components:
- Battery
- Bonnet
- Doors
- Electrical wiring
- Horn
- Mirrors
- Seats
- Steering wheel
- Tailgate
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Windscreen glass
- Wheels and tyres
If the necessary repairs are carried out at a different garage but the MOT retest is performed at the original tester, you will pay a partial fee.
As the maximum MOT price is £54.85, the most you can be charged for a partial retest is £27.45.
Booking an MOT Retest at a Different Garage
If your car fails its MOT, you can take it to another garage if you wish.
While you can take your vehicle to another garage for repairs or to a pre-arranged MOT test appointment, you can only drive there if your car is roadworthy and last year’s certificate is still valid.
If not, you will need to have it towed or leave it where it is.
If you have any repairs and the retest performed at a different garage, you will pay the full MOT fee again.
This is because the new garage will perform a completely new MOT test, rather than just retesting the specific items that cause the failure.
How Long Do I Have to Fix My Car After an MOT Fail?
If your car has failed its MOT, you will have 10 working days to return your vehicle to the same MOT test centre for a partial retest.
If you take longer than 10 working days, there is no strict legal deadline for making the repairs, but you will need to pay for a new full MOT test when you return.
Your vehicle must not be driven on public roads without a valid MOT unless you are attending a pre-booked MOT test or repair.
What Happens If a Car Fails the MOT Retest?
If your car fails the MOT retest, you will need to have the issues repaired and arrange another test.
You cannot drive without a valid MOT as your vehicle could pose a safety risk, so make sure you have the issues fixed promptly to keep yourself and other road users safe.
How to Book an MOT Retest
If you're returning to the same garage within the retest window, they'll likely handle the retest for you.
Many garages offer partial retests without requiring a formal booking - especially if they carried out the repairs.
However, if you're taking your car to a different garage or past the retest window, you'll need to book a new MOT test - just as you would for the initial test.
When you use BookMyGarage, you can browse and compare to find a trusted garage to carry out your MOT in just a few clicks.
No upfront payment is required, and you can read customer reviews to find the best option for you.
