Quick answer
If your car fails its MOT, you normally have 10 working days to return it to the same test centre for a partial retest. If you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it is retested within that period, the partial retest is normally free.
If you take the car away for repairs and bring it back within 10 working days, a partial retest is usually needed, but the test centre may charge a partial retest fee. If you return after the 10 working day window, you will usually need a full MOT again.
The most important rule is safety: do not drive a car with a dangerous defect. A previous MOT certificate does not make an unsafe car legal to use.
Main MOT retest rules
10 working days
Return within 10 working days to the same centre for a partial retest.
Same test centre
Partial retest rules normally apply when you return to the original MOT centre.
Left for repair
If the car stays there for repair and is retested within the window, the partial retest is normally free.
Taken away
If repaired elsewhere and returned within 10 working days, a partial retest fee may apply.
After the window
After 10 working days, a full MOT and full fee usually apply.
Roadworthiness matters
A failed vehicle must still be safe and legal before it is driven.
When is an MOT retest free?
A partial MOT retest is normally free if the vehicle is left at the MOT test centre for repair and is retested within 10 working days after the original failure.
- ✓The vehicle failed its MOT at that test centre.
- ✓The vehicle is left there for repair.
- ✓The retest happens within 10 working days.
- ✓Only the failed items need to be rechecked.
Always ask the MOT centre before moving the car. A quick question can save confusion over whether the retest will be free, partial-fee or full-fee.
When a next working day retest may be free
Some items may qualify for a free partial retest if the vehicle is taken away, repaired and returned to the same test centre by the end of the next working day. This usually applies to specific items that are quick to recheck.
Simple visible items
Some lights, mirrors, number plates or wipers may be quick to recheck.
Ask before leaving
Do not assume your failure qualifies. Confirm with the test centre first.
Return on time
If you miss the next working day rule, the normal retest fee rules may apply.
If your MOT failed on lights, see car fails MOT on lights.
When do you have to pay for an MOT retest?
You may need to pay a partial retest fee if you take the vehicle away for repairs and return it to the same MOT centre within 10 working days. The fee is usually less than a full MOT, but it depends on the centre and the retest situation.
You will usually need to pay for a full MOT again if you return after the 10 working day limit, go to a different MOT test centre for a new test, or need a full re-examination rather than a partial retest.
Free partial retest
Usually when repaired and retested at the same centre within 10 working days.
Partial retest fee
Possible if repaired elsewhere and returned to the same centre within 10 working days.
Full MOT fee
Usually applies after 10 working days or at a different test centre.
Dangerous defects after an MOT failure
If the MOT failure includes a dangerous defect, you should not drive the vehicle until it has been repaired. A dangerous defect means the vehicle is a direct risk to road safety or the environment.
- !Do not drive with dangerous brake, tyre, steering or suspension defects.
- !Do not assume the old MOT makes the car safe.
- !Arrange repair or recovery if the vehicle is unsafe.
- !Keep repair evidence after the work is completed.
For common failure areas, read common MOT failure reasons UK.
Can you drive away after a failed MOT?
It depends on the failure, the vehicle’s condition and whether your previous MOT is still valid. If the car has dangerous defects, you should not drive it.
Previous MOT still valid
You may still have time left on the old MOT, but the vehicle must still be roadworthy. Dangerous or unsafe defects should not be driven.
MOT already expired
Driving is normally limited to a pre-booked MOT test or eligible repair appointment, and the car must still be insured and safe enough to drive.
Major defect
A major defect means the vehicle has failed. Whether it can be moved depends on roadworthiness and safety.
Dangerous defect
Do not drive it. Arrange repair at the garage or recovery to a repairer.
Related guide: do you need an MOT to insure a car?
What happens if the car fails the retest?
If the car fails the retest, the failed items still need to be repaired before the vehicle can pass. Depending on timing, you may need another partial retest or a full MOT if the retest window has passed.
Do not keep driving if the car has dangerous defects, serious brake problems, unsafe tyres, steering faults or other safety issues. Fix the failure properly before using the vehicle.
What to do after an MOT fail
- 1Read the VT30 failure sheet: check whether defects are dangerous, major or minor.
- 2Ask about retest terms: confirm whether the retest is free, partial-fee or full-fee.
- 3Check the time limit: ask the garage for the exact latest return date.
- 4Prioritise safety items: brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and lights matter most.
- 5Compare repair quotes if needed: especially for costly failures.
- 6Keep repair records: useful for future resale and service history.
If you are preparing before test day, read how to prepare for an MOT test.
Common items that cause MOT retests
Many MOT retests involve simple but important items such as lights, tyres, wipers, washers, brake wear, emissions or number plate problems.
Tyres
Low tread, bulges, cuts or exposed cords can fail.
Low tyre tread MOT guide →Lights
Failed bulbs, poor aim or broken lenses can cause issues.
MOT lights failure guide →Brakes
Poor braking, worn pads or imbalance can fail.
MOT brake failure guide →Emissions
Smoke, engine faults, DPF issues or exhaust problems can cause failure.
Emissions MOT guide →Wipers and washers
Poor screen clearing or empty washer fluid can fail.
Wiper MOT guide →Warning lights
ABS, airbag, brake, engine and traction lights can matter.
Warning lights guide →How to avoid MOT retest stress next time
- ✓Check lights, tyres, wipers and washers before test day.
- ✓Do not ignore dashboard warning lights.
- ✓Fix previous MOT advisories before they become failures.
- ✓Book early enough to allow repair time.
- ✓Keep service and repair invoices.
- ✓Ask the garage about retest rules before taking the car away.
For booking timing, see how early can you renew an MOT?
Best mechanic-style advice
Do not panic after an MOT failure, but do not ignore the wording on the failure sheet. Dangerous defects need a different response from simple bulb, washer or number plate faults.
Before taking the car away, ask three things: is it safe to drive, when is the latest retest date, and will the retest be free or charged? That avoids most confusion.
Related MOT guides
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have for an MOT retest?
You normally have 10 working days to return to the same MOT test centre for a partial retest.
Is an MOT retest always free?
No. It is usually free if the vehicle is left at the test centre for repair and retested within 10 working days. A fee may apply if you take it away and return it later.
Can I take the car to another garage for repairs?
Yes, but if you return to the original MOT centre within 10 working days, you may be charged a partial retest fee. If another test centre carries out a fresh MOT, you will usually pay the full fee.
What if I miss the 10 working day retest window?
You will usually need a full MOT test again and pay the full MOT fee.
Can I drive a failed MOT car to repairs?
Only if it is legal and safe to do so. You must not drive with dangerous defects. If the MOT has expired, driving is normally limited to a pre-booked MOT test or eligible repair appointment.
Do advisories need fixing before a retest?
Advisories do not normally cause the MOT failure, but they should not be ignored. They may become future failures if wear gets worse.
Can I get a retest at a different garage?
A different garage can carry out a new MOT, but you will usually be paying for a full test rather than using the original partial retest rules.
What should I ask the garage after an MOT fail?
Ask whether the car is safe to drive, whether the retest will be free or charged, and the latest date you can return within the retest window.