MOT Retest Rules: Free Retest Conditions, Fees and Time Limits

An MOT retest is a follow-up check carried out after a vehicle fails its MOT. It confirms that the faults listed during the first inspection have been repaired and the car now meets DVSA safety standards.

A retest can be free or paid, depending on how quickly the vehicle is returned and where the repairs are completed. The rules also change based on the type of fault and how many days have passed since the fail.

When a Car Needs an MOT Retest

A car needs an MOT retest when it does not meet the required safety standards during the first inspection. The type of fail and the repair process decide what happens next.

After a Major or Dangerous Fail

If the vehicle fails due to major or dangerous faults, it must be checked again once the issues are fixed. Dangerous faults mean the car cannot be driven until repaired.

When Repairs Are Done at the Same Garage

If the same garage carries out the repairs, you can usually return for a retest without extra cost, as long as the car comes back within the allowed time.

When Repairs Are Done Elsewhere

If repairs are completed at a different workshop, the vehicle will still need a retest. In most cases, this leads to a partial retest fee unless the car is returned on the same day.

When the Return Time Is Delayed

If the car is not brought back within the DVSA time limit, the garage must run a full MOT Check again. This applies even if only a few faults were listed.

MOT Retest Time Limits

MOT retest timing matters because it decides whether the check is free, part-paid, or treated as a full test. Below is a clear breakdown of how the timing works.

Same-Day Retest

You can return for a same-day retest if the garage fixes the faults straightaway or if the car is taken to another workshop and brought back before closing time.
In this case, the retest is usually free because the vehicle is checked again on the same date as the fail.

Next Day to 10-Day Window

This is the standard DVSA rule.

• You have up to 10 working days to bring the vehicle back.
• If the repairs are done at the same garage, the retest stays free.
• If repairs are done somewhere else, a small partial retest fee may apply.

Returning within these 10 days helps avoid paying for a full MOT again.

After 10 Days

If the car comes back after 10 working days, the garage must carry out a full MOT. This applies even if only one or two faults were listed during the first test.

Also Read What Happens If You Fail the Retest?

What are the MOT Retest Types?

MOT retests fall into two main categories. The type you receive depends on the faults found and how the repairs were handled.

Partial MOT Retest

A partial retest is carried out when the garage only needs to check the items that failed in the first test.

It applies when:

• Repairs are completed within the DVSA time limit
• The vehicle comes back with only the listed issues fixed
• Repairs were done at the same garage or another workshop within the same-day or 10-day window

Partial retests cost less than a full MOT. In many cases, they are free when repairs stay with the same garage.

Full MOT Retest

A full retest is required when:

• The vehicle is returned after the 10-day limit
• Too many items failed, and a full inspection is needed
• Repairs were done elsewhere and the car returns late
• The garage must recheck the entire vehicle, not just the failed parts

A full retest is the same as a standard MOT and charged at the full test fee.

MOT Retest Fees in 2025

MOT retest fees depend on how quickly the vehicle is returned and where the repairs were completed. The rules are straightforward once you understand the three main situations.

When the Retest Is Free

The retest is free when:

• Repairs are carried out by the same garage
• The vehicle is returned on the same day
• The car comes back within the 10-day limit and only the failed items need checking

Most drivers fall into this category if they keep repairs at the original test centre.

When a Partial Retest Fee Applies

A small fee may apply when:

• Repairs are done at another workshop
• The vehicle is returned within the 10-day limit but not on the same day
• Only the failed parts need rechecking

Garages set their own partial retest prices, but they are usually lower than a full MOT fee.

When You Pay the Full MOT Fee Again

You will be charged for a full MOT if:

• The car returns after the 10-day limit
• The first test had a long list of faults requiring a complete inspection
• The garage cannot limit the check to the failed items

This is treated as a new MOT test because too much time has passed or the condition of the vehicle needs full reassessment.

MOT Fail Categories and How They Affect a Retest

When a car fails its MOT, the type of fault decides what you can do next, whether you can drive the vehicle, and what kind of retest you need. Understanding these categories helps you avoid mistakes that lead to extra fees.

Dangerous Fail

A dangerous fail means the car is unsafe to drive. The vehicle cannot be taken on the road until the issue is fixed. It must stay at the garage or be taken away using recovery.Once repaired, it will need a retest before it can be driven normally again.

Major Fail

A major fail means one or more parts do not meet the required safety level, but the car may still be driven only when going to and from a repair workshop.

After repairs, the car must return for a retest. If it comes back within the DVSA time limit, the retest stays within the partial retest rules.

Minor Issues

Minor faults do not cause an MOT fail. The car passes, but the issues should still be fixed soon. There is no retest for minor faults because the vehicle already meets the safety standard.

What Happens After an MOT Fail

When a car fails its MOT, the garage gives you a report listing every issue that needs attention. What you do next depends on the type of fail and how soon you plan to return for the retest.

Also read this next guide for understanding What Happens After an MOT Fail?

MOT Retest Comparison Table

Situation	Retest Type	Cost	Time Allowed	Notes
Repairs done on the same day	Partial retest	Usually free	Same day	Only failed items checked
Repairs done at the same garage within 10 days	Partial retest	Free	Up to 10 working days	Most drivers fall in this category
Repairs done at another workshop within 10 days	Partial retest	Small fee	Up to 10 working days	Fee varies by garage
Vehicle returned after 10 days	Full MOT	Full test fee	After 10 days	Treated as a new MOT
Long list of faults requiring full review	Full MOT	Full test fee	Any time	Complete inspection needed
Dangerous fail (car not roadworthy)	Retest after repair	Fee depends on timing	Must not drive	Requires recovery if moved

Driving Rules After an MOT Fail

Driving rules after an MOT fail depend on the fault category and the purpose of the journey. Understanding these limits helps you avoid penalties and keep the car within legal use.

After a Dangerous Fail

A dangerous fail means the car is not safe for the road. You cannot drive it under any condition. The vehicle must stay at the garage or be moved using recovery. Repairs must be completed before any further movement.

After a Major Fail

A major fail allows limited driving. You can only drive the vehicle:

• To a repair workshop
• Back to the MOT test centre for the retest

It must be roadworthy for this short travel. If the issue affects safe driving, recovery is the safer option.

If Your MOT Has Already Expired

If the MOT has expired and the car fails:

• You can still drive to a booked repair appointment
• You can drive to a booked MOT retest
• You cannot drive for any other purpose

Driving without a valid MOT for normal use can lead to fines.

Insurance Considerations

Some insurance providers may not cover you if the vehicle has a dangerous fail, even for short travel. It’s safer to use recovery when unsure.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Paying Twice

Knowing a few simple steps can help you stay within the free retest rules and avoid extra MOT costs.

• Bring the Car Back Within the Time Limit
• Fix Every Listed Fault
• Keep Repairs at the Same Garage
• Check Common Problem Areas
• Book Repairs Quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

MOT Retest Rules – Summary

An MOT retest is the follow-up check carried out after a vehicle fails its MOT.
The rules depend on how quickly the car is returned, where repairs are completed, and the type of fault.

• Same-day returns usually get a free retest
• Returning within the 10-day limit keeps it within partial retest rules
• Bringing the car back after 10 days leads to a full MOT fee
• Dangerous faults stop the car from being driven
• Major faults allow driving only for repair visits or the retest
• Minor issues do not need a retest
• Repairs at the same garage help avoid extra costs
• If a retest is failed, the vehicle must be repaired again before it can pass
• Appeals can be made through DVSA if the fail seems incorrect

This guide gives drivers a clear view of how MOT retests work, how fees apply, and the steps to follow to avoid paying for a full test again.