How Long Does An MOT Retest Take?

An MOT retest typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the garage's workload and the issues that need addressing.

How Long Does A Partial MOT Retest Take?

A partial MOT retest usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. This type of retest is applicable when only minor repairs have been made and the vehicle has not been off the road for too long since the initial test.

What Do They Check During An MOT Retest?

During an MOT retest, the vehicle will be checked for any repairs made since the initial test and any components that previously failed. Common checks include brakes, lights, emissions, and other critical safety aspects to ensure the vehicle meets the required standards.

Can An MOT Retest Be Done At A Different Garage?

An MOT retest can be performed at a different garage from where the original test was conducted. However, it’s advisable to inform the new garage of the previous MOT results and any repairs made, as this can help streamline the MOT retest process.

What Happens If My Car Fails The MOT Retest?

If your car fails the MOT retest, you will receive a failure certificate detailing the reasons for the failure. You will need to address the issues identified before the vehicle can be retested. Depending on the severity of the problems, you may be given a time frame within which to have the repairs completed and the retest conducted.

7 Things to Know About an MOT Retest

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.

Page Contents

What Is an MOT Retest?
MOT Retest Rules
How Long Do I Have to Fix My Car After an MOT Fail?
What Happens If a Car Fails the MOT Retest?
How to Book an MOT Retest

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.

72 replies to "MOT Retests: Everything You Need to Know"

Derek

October 28th, 2021

If I failed an MOT for more than 10 working days, I will have to pay for a full MOT test. (I had to wait a long time for a replacement car part) If I'm going to pay for the full test anyway, does it have to be done at the same initial test center?

Drew Hickman

October 29th, 2021

Hi Derek, You're absolutely right. As it has been 10 working days since the test, you need a full MOT rather than a partial retest (as would happen if the repairs were completed within 10 working days). That means you can take your car to any registered UK MOT test station rather than having to have it completed at the same garage.

April 9th, 2022

Hi, my car failed MOT and have now got the part that failed fixed, It’s now well over 10 days. Am I correct in thinking I can take my car for an MOT to be done elsewhere and pay the full price again for a full MOT. Also can I ask what happens if the garage picks up new issues that were not present on the original MOT test. Your help would be really appreciated Thank you

April 11th, 2022

Hi, Yes, you will have to pay full price for the new MOT as it is more than 10 days since your original test. As all the checks in the MOT are subjective, a different technician could fail your car on something different to the first garage. If they do, you will have to go through the same process as with your original failure (get the problem fixed and have a third retest) to ensure you get the pass certificate you need. Hope this helps!

Keith W

April 25th, 2022

My car failed it’s MOT and I could not cover the cost of the repairs as they were inflated costs. It’s been over 10 days… so I am not obligated to go back. The question I have is will the new garage identify the same issues with the car?

April 27th, 2022

Hi Keith, It sounds to me as if you haven’t had any of the repairs completed on your car after your recent MOT failure and are looking to book a second test at a new garage. While the MOT checklist is subjective and opinions may differ between testers, it is quite likely that any garage you choose will pick up on the issues if your vehicle doesn’t meet DVSA guidelines. I would strongly advise that you complete the repairs outlined in the first failed test, even if you don’t use the original garage, before resitting the MOT, as it is quite likely your vehicle will fail a second time and leave you in the same position. Your car must have a valid MOT certificate at all times and it must be safe and roadworthy to achieve this.

Michael

May 1st, 2022

If I take my car to another mot station to be tested after a fail, can that tester see what it failed on

May 3rd, 2022

Hi Michael, As every MOT failure is recorded on a centralised database, yes, another test station could see what your car failed on during the original test.

Tanya

November 30th, 2021

Hi. My car has failed it's MOT today and I've had a verbal dispute with the garage over some of the apparent issues reported, as some issues have already been repaired within the last 12 months (so surely IF it does need replacing, it's covered by a warranty?). I no longer trust this garage and do not feel comfortable going back after the dispute. Can I take it to another garage for another full test, as it's due in a few days? I would only want to go back to that garage IF that repair was covered under warranty, otherwise I don't want to waste any more money with this dishonest garage.

December 1st, 2021

Hi Tanya, I am sorry that you have had difficulties with your MOT. Firstly, let me address the warranty issue. Most quality parts have a 12-month warranty unless they are a wear and tear item (brake pads, filters, tyres etc). The garage fitting the part may also add a labour warranty, but that is entirely up to them. So, in some instances, the part itself may be covered by the manufacturer's warranty but removing and fitting it isn't. The garage concerned would need to determine what the cause of the failure is and contact the supplier of the part. If the supplier deems that the part meets their warranty conditions, they will then supply a free replacement part for the garage to fit. Regarding your MOT failure, you have two options. You can take the car to another test centre and have the MOT done again and see what it fails on, or you can raise an appeal with the DVSA https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/problems-with-your-test-result. However, the DVSA recommend that no repairs are carried out so they may complete their investigation in full. If you suspect that your MOT will run out before you reach a resolution with this garage, I would suggest trying to book an appointment with another garage. It is worth noting that once your car has failed an MOT you can no longer drive it around, you can only drive it to a pre-booked MOT test at a testing station or repair shop. I hope this helps and that you resolve your issue quickly!

zur

January 18th, 2022

Hi done mot test and car faill. Test done on saturday and was want do test again in saturday but week after. are its counting still in them 10 working days and need to do just reetest and not full mot test?

January 19th, 2022

Hi Zur, Yes, having your MOT retest next Saturday fits into the 10 working day window. If you leave your vehicle at the garage for repairs, they may be able to complete the work sooner and you won't be charged for the partial retest. If you take your car elsewhere for the repairs and then return it to the same garage within 10 working days, you can be charged a partial retest fee, as stated here: https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/retests. Hope this helps!

Raymond Braham

February 8th, 2024

Hi car failed mot with 1 of the tyre. I have replaced the old tyre with a new tyre. Retest on Mondays can I drive my car in the meantime

Eve McPherson

February 9th, 2024

Hi Raymond, The MOT guidelines state you can take your vehicle away if your MOT is still valid to have repairs carried out and bring it back for a partial retest within 10 working days. If your MOT has run out, you can take your vehicle to have the failed defects fixed and to a pre-arranged MOT test appointment, but in both cases your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined. Hope this helps!

Zakiuddin Mohammed

February 9th, 2022

Hi. I failed the MOT at Halfords and was advised to replace brake discs and pads. I.elected to get them changed at a Volvo service and got it done. Went back to Halfords for re test but they don't have a slot available until 2 days after. Now that I have done the necessary repairs can I drive the vehicle to work pending the re test? MOT failed 10 days ago and is now expired. Your help will be immensely appreciated.

February 10th, 2022

Hi Zakiuddin, Unfortunately, you still cannot drive the car anywhere except to and from an MOT test station or repair garage until it has passed its MOT. Even though you have completed the repairs, it's still illegal to drive your car on public roads in the UK without a valid MOT certificate. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Nicki

March 14th, 2022

Hi,my car failed its MOT and I have arranged for repairs at another garage at half the price quoted. Now the garage that need to do the re-test are saying they have no available slots for a re-test until after the 10days so will charge me for full MOT again. Can they do this?

March 18th, 2022

Hi Nicki, I am sorry to read that you have needed to have MOT repairs, but it's great that you managed to make a saving on them. With regards to the MOT test centre that failed the vehicle, I am afraid there is no requirement for them to provide a test within 10 days.

Nick

March 21st, 2022

Hi Joanna When a garage do a re-test, do they just the test the things that failed the first time, or do they do thw whole test again ? Thanks

Hi Nick, So long as you get the repairs done and your vehicle retested within the 10-day timeframe, the garage will only complete a partial retest on the parts that failed the first time around. You can find out what is and isn't eligible for a partial retest here: https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/retests Hope this helps!

Alice

September 3rd, 2022

Car failed MOT at evans halshaw, lots of things needing fixing costing almost £2000 for everything, after speaking on phone found out cost for it to pass £1100 which I agreed but I have come to realisation I still can’t afford this. My mot expired during my time away on holiday and I would like to take my car to a new garage for the work as I know it will be cheaper there, I sent numerous emails and tried to ring but they are closed now no work has been started and they aren’t ordering parts until Monday (currently Friday). Will I be expected to still continue the work with them as I did ageee over the phone, also am I allowed to drive my car to new garage for the work or do I need it towed?

September 6th, 2022

Hi Alice, I’m sorry to hear that. Most franchised dealers offer a 0% payment plan for small or large repairs costs. Though you have agreed to the work, if the work hasn’t started then the garage might be okay not to proceed. However, if they have ordered in special order parts which they can’t return, then this may not be the case. As it is your MOT that has failed, there is most likely a safety issue with your car, and so driving it to a new garage may be unsafe. It would be advisable that you don’t drive your car because of this. To learn more about the 0% payment plan offered by some franchised dealers, you can look at this link: https://www.evanshalshaw.com/service/aftersales-finance/ I really hope this helps, and that everything goes well for you when you next speak to the garage.

Jenn

November 19th, 2022

My car failed its MOT, but I think the garage is taking advantage and failing on things that aren't actually wrong with the car, can I get another fresh MOT done elsewhere for a second opinion?

November 21st, 2022

Hi Jenn, Yes, you can. Just bear in mind that the garage will be able to see the failure notice for the previous MOT. Hope this helps!

Simon

December 11th, 2023

Hi there I took my car for it's MOT but some of the equipment was broken. I rebooked in with them and took my car for it's test which it then failed a major defect. I drove it to to my local garage to get it repaired and have left it there. My old MOT has expired and I'm still waiting for them to repair it, what are the rules on driving this car now? Once repaired do I have to take it back to the original garage it failed at or can I get my local garage to do a full MOT (so that it's not being driven without an MOT)?

December 13th, 2023

Hi Simon, The repairing garage can carry out another full MOT after the repair, so you don't need to take the vehicle back to the original MOT testing station. Hope this helps!

Dave Green

October 20th, 2022

My car recently failed its mot and the mechanic basically said they were too busy to do the repairs and hadn't bothered to price up parts needed and that they don't do retests so I had to go elsewhere to get an idea of how much it would cost me to get it through the mot. This other garage told me that some of the fails weren't fails at all ie brake pipes weren't corroded just needed cleaning,handbrake wasn't within limits when it was and there was a problem with the abs system because a light coming on the dash(only in cold/wet months though). When the other garage checked the car it doesn't have an abs system fitted on it. How am I supposed to get a free or reduced price retest if they say they don't do them

James milly

December 26th, 2023

If an mot tester decides to retest the vehicle whilst the garage is being repaired, and the car being retested is elsewhere but he repaired it and for sure he done it and he knows everything is okay is that okay?

January 3rd, 2024

Hi James, The garage can repair the vehicle and retest for the MOT failures and issue a pass. Hope this helps!

John

November 9th, 2022

In September car failed MOT on several serious things and left at garage where all the work was carried out. Car not taken away and in October it failed again on different serious things and left at garage where all the work was carried out. Passed MOT in November but after a hefty repairs bill. Why should there be 2 consecutive fails for different things like this?

November 10th, 2022

Hi John, I can imagine this was very frustrating for you. The only thing I could suggest is that a different MOT tester at the garage completed the second test and found things the first one missed but, without knowing the failure items, it's impossible for me to comment further. If you have any specific concerns about the process, I would suggest you speak to the garage that completed the work.

Dean

November 22nd, 2022

I had two MOT is separate garages can I take it the original garage for a partial retest. Both are within 10 days. P.s will the first garage know about the second MOT

Hi Dean, Yes, you will be able to take the car back to the original garage. The garage will know about the other MOT test, and they may not do a partial test - chances are they might charge you full price for another MOT, as the vehicle has had another MOT performed elsewhere in the interim period. Hope this helps!

Richard Suckling

December 5th, 2022

Hi There, My 4x4 failed it's MOT recently due to a few parts that needed replacing. However, it passed emissions all ok... I decided to do the other work myself as it was relatively easy and I wanted to save a bit on labour. MOT centre was happy for me to do so. I did the work, took it for a retest and everything was fine. But the MOT tester then failed it on emissions... Though I hadn't changed anything in terms of fueling, filters or oil and it'd only been a week or so since the first test. I asked why this had happened and the tester told me he had changed his testing equipment and probe since the last test. So it apparently picked up higher levels than the last one. I was a bit frustrated to say the least! I've attempted to solve this by using some Wynns diesel cleaner and giving it a good run. Due for a retest this week, but never had this problem with a test centre and it doesn't seem like a fair test. Any advice on how to approach this would be much appreciated! Thanks You

December 6th, 2022

Hi Richard, It sounds as though something is not working correctly or may be out of calibration - your vehicle likely should not have passed the emissions test the first time if the emissions testing equipment needed replacing. As such, you will need to have your vehicle fixed so that it will pass the emissions test. Hope this helps!

Tarra

January 16th, 2023

Hi, can I take my car back for a retest on the same day if I got the work done

January 17th, 2023

Hi Tarra, Yes, you can take it back for a re-test on the same day, but the garage will need to agree as they have to ensure they have the capacity. In some cases, MOT re-tests will be chargeable, but the garage will be able to advise you.

Ryan

January 19th, 2023

Hi Drew, I had an MOT done at KwikFit and they failed me for a removed heatshield. A couple of years ago a mechanic took it off entirely as it was rattling, saying I didn't need it at all. Now KwikFit say it's a new requirement for MOTs if the fuel tank is near the exhaust. I'm taking it to a garage for them to take a look at and see if they can rig something up (with heatproof sheet metal/something similar) but I'm a bit annoyed to have failed for something another mechanic did! The garage I've taken it to have strongly implied that they would not have failed it for my lack of heat shield. If KwikFit fail me on the re-test after the rigged-up heatshield, am I allowed to go to this garage for an MOT, based on the fact that they've implied I would likely pass the test at their garage? Or are there rules against this?

January 30th, 2023

Hi Ryan, If the other garage said that it would be fine, you may wish to go there and pay for another MOT at full price. Alternatively, KwikFit may offer to do the retest for free, but you will need to check if this is the case. Manufacturers fit heat shields as a safety feature as the exhaust transmits a lot of heat, and functioning heat shields help to avoid any fire risk. As such, if the heat shield is missing or not working as it should, then this could cause MOT failure. It is definitely worth booking in with a professional garage so that they can advise you. Hope this helps!

Gary

January 23rd, 2023

If my car fails the mot and i bring back within 7 days do i need to bring the failure sheet with me , took my car back and they charged for not bringing the failure sheet with me because the garage charged me £40 for not bringing the failure sheet

January 24th, 2023

Hi Gary, It sounds as though you have been recharged for a full MOT. It depends on the garage whether or not a retest will be free of charge - this can depend on the failures in question as some failures require a retest. If you have used an alternative garage for the retest, then you will have been charged full price. Hope this helps!

Smith

February 1st, 2023

Hi. Initially I failed MOT for major defects and I have one advisory as well. I fixed all the issues including advisory, now I passed the MOT but on the paper still states same advisory even though I fixed the issue. Why is that? Should I be concerned that car service failed to do the job or it suppose to be like that after the retest. Thank you for your answer.

February 2nd, 2023

Hi Smith, The advisories will have been logged when the MOT test was carried out, whether it was a pass or a fail. This is just a record on the MOT history for reference. As long as you have the pass certificate and the issues have been genuinely checked and rectified, there is nothing to worry about. Hope this helps!

Zara Clough

February 10th, 2023

My car failed it’s MOT and I’ve found a garage that can do the repairs for cheaper can I get them to do the retest (I don’t mind repaying) or does it have to be the original garage.

February 14th, 2023

Hi Zara, Yes, you can. The garage can carry out the repairs and do a completely new MOT test for you. So long as the re-test is completed within 10 days and the repairs are not under the re-test category of charge then it will most likely be free. Hope this helps!

Sali Samsung

March 11th, 2023

Hi, please can you advise on the following: I have tested for MOT and failed around 3 weeks ago, some major but not dangerous defects - not sure if this is the same thing. I have since found out that my local garage (cheaper and closer) can do MOTs and repairs. Can I retest with my local garage rather than going the distance to the garage that originally tested? Also I don't feel very comfortable going to the other garage, I didn't like the customer service.

March 13th, 2023

Hi there, The vehicle will need another full MOT test (over 10 days). You can take it to any garage of your choice. Hope this helps!

Jau

March 20th, 2023

Hi there, I just passed my driving test and I am looking to start driving. I have a car at hone that has been on SORN for about 18 months. Its needs an MOT to be done. If it fails the MOT and I need to take it back home would that be legal. I was told the only time you can drive an non-MOT and un taxed car is if you are going from a pre booked MOT...does that cover congratulations back from a failed MOT too?

March 21st, 2023

Hi Jau, So long as a booking has been made as proof of appointment and you are travelling either to or from the MOT test station on that date, you should be fine. You can also refer to the VOSA page on the gov.uk website for a full overview of the process. I have attached the link to this at the end of this reply. If your vehicle does pass the MOT, you will be able to drive it home to then sort out the SORN concern - but you will not be able to drive the vehicle again until you have confirmation from the DVSA that they have updated the records. Hope this helps! https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/vehicle-and-operator-services-agency

Dave

March 25th, 2023

My car failed it's MOT for tyre wear (crazing not tread), the garage weren't able to replace the tyres that day (Saturday) so it was taken to another garage and had the tyres replaced before a retest on the Monday. Now on the system it shows a different mileage between the two tests because it was driven back to the MOT station after the repair for the retest. Will this cause issues down the line as the tyres were marked as dangerous?

March 28th, 2023

Hi Dave, No, this should not cause an issue further down the line because the tyre was replaced and you should be fine to drive it for the retest if you have the appointment made and the original failure to back up that it had failed for a tyre which was replaced the next day with the paperwork. Hope this helps!

laura

July 24th, 2023

I recently took my car for it's MOT and it failed because of the suspension ball joints, and the garage said one of the coils was corroded. I took it to another garage to get everything fixed ready for the partial re-test, however this place said there was nothing wrong with any of the coil springs. I'm still waiting for the work on the suspension to be done so I haven't picked the car up yet - just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to proceed? I've basically got one garage telling me one thing, and another telling me something else, with me stuck in the middle.

Hi Laura, Whilst suspension coil springs being rusty is not an MOT failure, it has to be advised as there is a higher risk of the coil springs breaking - depending on the severity of the rust. This will have associated suspension failure which is a safety-related failure. Changing the coil spring(s) may be the best and safest option to avoid any future problems. Hope this helps!

Taiwo

July 27th, 2023

Hi , the original test center for my car MOT is burnley and I stay in Cardiff , can I get another qualified garage in Cardiff for my car MOT instead ?

Hi Taiwo, Yes, you can book your vehicle into any garage that can do MOTs - it does not have to be where you bought the vehicle from. You can have an MOT carried out by an MOT licenced garage anywhere in the UK - all records are kept electronically by VOSA. Hope this helps!

Luana

August 18th, 2023

Hi! I would appreciate your advise on this one. My car has failed the MOT (stabiliser link, side repeater not working and water pump at the windscreen). The MOT was done at Halfords, and they didn’t have the time to fix it and instructed me to go to another garage. I took it to another garage and while the work was being carried out, they crashed my car. The rear driver’s side light screen was damaged. The light itself still works, but the screen is broken. On a retest, will they look at it if this hasn’t failed the initial test? Thank you!!

August 21st, 2023

Hi Luana, Yes, the damaged rear light will fail the MOT and will need to be replaced. On any retest the inspector will take a walk around the vehicle to make sure there are no visual changes since the initial MOT test. As for the accident, the garage that was doing the repairs should rectify the damage before you consider putting the car back in for a retest at the other garage. Hope this helps!

Simon David

October 28th, 2023

If my car fails its MOT on defects which I do not believe exist and I decide to take it to another MOT testing station that agrees with me and passes the car without these defects, does the second MOT dispense with the first one?

October 31st, 2023

Hi Simon, The original MOT test would be recorded with the DVLA, but you do have the right to take the vehicle to another MOT test station who will check the MOT failures registered and make sure that the failures have been corrected. You would have to pay for a full MOT test again. If you go to another garage and they believe that the failures reported on the first MOT were incorrect, we would suggest that you have photos taken and a complaint raised to the DVLA within 14 days. You may also wish to discuss the failures with the original garage. If you go to another garage and have the MOT done, on which it passes, that will override the first MOT check and process. On MOT checking of defects, it is all about the perception of the technician within guidelines as to what they deem safe or acceptable. Hope this helps!

January 5th, 2024

My car failed its MOT for a broken front spring. I took it elsewhere for the repair. Whilst they replaced the front spring they managed to knock out the ABS system. The brakes work but the ABS warning light remains on. They don't have the facility to fix the ABS, but agreed to pay for it to be done elsewhere. So now I have a car which has all its MOT issues fixed, but a new fault introduced. The MOT garage tell me that it will fail a retest with the light on the dashboard, so no point booking it until that is fixed - so now I am carless until I can get the ABS system looked at, amd I will miss the 10 day limit. What is the actual position with 10day retests - should they only look to see that the original failure items have been fixed, or are they at liberty to look at other faults as well?

January 9th, 2024

Hi John, The garage is within its rights to charge for a full test again, but may give people the opportunity within a certain timescale - 10 days - to get repairs done and come back for a retest at a potentially reduced rate. Alternatively, if you leave your vehicle to have work carried out they may do the MOT retest free of cost, but again this will depend on the garage. They don't have to do this as they are within their rights to charge again for a MOT test. Hope this helps!

Maxine

March 4th, 2024

Hi my car failed its MOT . The garage advise me that the headlight dipped beam wasn’t working.they advised me to see an auto electrician mechanic who specialises in electrics. As they told me they had replaced the bulb and that wasn’t the issue. I checked the bulb a couple of days later and noticed that they had put in a broken bulb. I changed the bulb myself and the issue was fixed. I now need to pay for a retest at that garage. How can I be compensated for incapable mechanics .

Hi Maxine, You can speak to the MOT test centre to see if they will listen to your comments. If not, you will have no choice but to pay the full MOT cost again. If it was only a bulb failure, then you may have had 10 days to resolve the matter, and wouldn't be charged a re-test. Hope this helps!

Lou

June 4th, 2024

Hi my dads car just failed it’s mot cause he forgot to take his sat nav out and his driving cam they told him he has to rebook and pay again is this correct ?

June 6th, 2024

Hi Lou, If the customer has already paid for the MOT, some garages will do a retest free of charge - but it is really up to the garage as they are within their rights to charge full price again if they want to. You can refer to this gov.uk page for more information: https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/retests Hope this helps!

Sharon

September 13th, 2024

Hi I've just had my car re moted and it passed, but the garage has added more advisories than they did when they done the mot, can this be done

September 16th, 2024

Hi Sharon, Anything could have worsened after the first MOT and the garage does have the right to mention advisories. Hope this helps!

Sophia

October 3rd, 2024

Help please, Took car for MOT ,failed on certain things had work done at a garage as the MOT garage couldn't do the repairs , had retested and failed on the suspension . Should this have been picked up in the first MOT ?

October 4th, 2024

Hi Sophia, If the second MOT test was carried out shortly after the first test, they really ought to have picked this up - of course, we don't know which suspension components you are referring to. There is the slim possibility a component was borderline at the first test and then had deteriorated by the second test. There is also the possibility the repairs carried out on the car disturbed something that might have been right on the edge of passing or failing. You should take this up with the first garage - after all, it is in their interest to find legitimate repairs, so there is no incentive for a garage to not report MOT failures. Hope this helps!

Michael F

January 16th, 2025

An MOT at a main dealership failed the car on a small nick in a tyre tread. Their price for a new tyre like for like was way too high, and a staff member suggested they would price-match if I got a quote from a local tyre dealer - which I did. They refused to fully price match, but also refused a free retest if the tyre dealer supplied and fitted the tyre. I have an emergency spare which could have been put on the car, and I could have taken just the wheel and tyre to the tyre dealer, who is literally 3 - 4 minutes away. Surely in this instance they should allow the car to go direct to the tyre dealer, have the replacement fitted, then retest - all within 24hrs of original test.

January 20th, 2025

Hi Michael, Thank you for sharing your experience. I understand how frustrating that must have been, especially when you are just trying to resolve the issue as efficiently as possible. While I agree it would have been more convenient for you to go directly to the tyre dealer, there could be a few reasons the garage did not allow that. Many dealerships have strict policies around retests, often due to insurance or safety reasons, and they might need to carry out the retest themselves to ensure everything is done according to their standards. Additionally, some dealerships may only honour the price-match or retest if the tyre replacement is carried out by their own staff or an approved supplier, to avoid liability concerns. While these policies can sometimes feel inconvenient, they are typically in place to protect both the customer and the business. Hopefully, they will consider a more flexible approach in situations like yours moving forward. Thank you for your comment