MOT retests explained
Get the details on MOT retests, how long they take and how much they cost
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What is an MOT retest and when is it needed?
There are few things that are more annoying than your car failing its MOT, but MOT retests are relatively straightforward.
If your car has failed its MOT on a fault that’s now been fixed, you can likely get a partial retest instead of going through the whole test again.
Extensive repair work might need a heavier retest, so keep that in mind.
Get the details on MOT retests below.
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What is a partial MOT retest?
A partial MOT retest is a test that focuses only on the areas of the car that failed the previous test.
For example, if you failed on a tyre that was below the minimum tread depth and have had it replaced, a partial retest will just look at the tyres.
You can only get a partial retest if the retest is done within 10 working days of the failure.
You might need a full MOT retest if you had a serious fault with your vehicle that needed extensive repairs. The garage or test centre will be able to advise.
How long does a partial MOT retest take?
A partial MOT retest is typically a quick check that can take 10-15 minutes, focusing only on the areas that have been repaired.
A full MOT can take 45 to 60 minutes, but this depends on the garage and how busy they are.
You can usually leave your car at the garage and come back once it’s been through its test, or there are often waiting rooms if you want to stick around.
Are MOT retests free?
An MOT retest is often free if:
The test, repair work and retest are carried out on the same day
OR
The same garage that did the original test has carried out the repairs
The retest is done within 10 days
If you don’t fit that criteria, MOTs for cars cost up to £54.85 in the UK and this is capped by the government.
How long do you have after a failed MOT?
You’ll have 10 working days after failing your MOT to get your car fixed and retested. You can either get the work done at the garage that did your test, or travel to another garage to have the work carried out and return within those 10 days.
After this time, you’ll have to get a full MOT test and pay the fee again.
You can’t drive the vehicle if there’s a dangerous fault, and can only drive a vehicle with an expired MOT if you’re travelling to a pre-booked MOT test or repair appointment.
MOT retest – what do they check?
Typically, the only areas checked in an MOT retest are the failed components. It’s a quick check to ensure the work has been carried out and ensures your car is roadworthy.
For major repair work, especially repairs across a lot of components, your car might need a full MOT retest. This is usually free if you fit the criteria we shared earlier.
Can an MOT retest be done at a different garage?
You can get an MOT retest done at a different garage, but you’re not likely to get a discount or a free test.
You might choose to get a retest done at a different garage if you travelled there to have lots of repair work carried out.
What happens if your car fails the MOT retest?
Failing your MOT and then failing the retest is definitely no fun. You can’t legally drive a vehicle on UK roads until it has a valid MOT certificate, unless you’re travelling to a pre-booked repair or MOT appointment.
At this point, you’ll need to get the extra repairs completed and have your vehicle tested again.
If you’re not happy with the result of your MOT, you can appeal a failed MOT test by filling in a complaint form to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) within 14 days of your failed test.
Book your MOT with cinch
While a failed MOT can definitely ruin your week, the option for a free retest might help soften the blow.
Plenty of garages offer a free retest and you have ten working days from your test failure to get your car patched up.
Book an MOT online with cinch for faff-free car maintenance, and there’s the option to add on car servicing as well.
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