The three retest situations
| What you do | Retest cost |
|---|---|
| Leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair, retested within 10 working days | Free (partial retest) |
| Take it away and return it to the same centre before the end of the next working day, for certain items only | Free |
| Take it away and return it to the same centre within 10 working days | Partial retest fee may be charged |
| Anything else (later, or a different centre) | Full MOT fee again |
Items that qualify for the free next-day retest
GOV.UK lists the parts that can be fixed and checked again for free if you go back to the same centre before the end of the next working day. They include:
- Body and access: panels, bonnet, boot lid, doors, tailgate and fuel filler cap
- Lights, mirrors, horn and registration plates
- Seatbelts, seats and steering wheel
- Wheels and tyres (not on motorcycles)
- Windscreen, wipers and washers
- Electrics, battery and the vehicle identification number (VIN)
This is a summary. The full list, including items for Class 5 vehicles, is on GOV.UK.
Tips to avoid paying twice
- Ask the garage before the test whether they repair as well as test. If they do, leaving the car there keeps the retest free.
- Check simple items yourself before the MOT: bulbs, wiper blades, washer fluid, tyre tread and the number plate.
- Book early: you can test up to a month (minus a day) before expiry, which leaves time to fix a fail without losing your MOT.
Continue on GOV.UK
These official services are where you actually do it:
Frequently asked questions
Is an MOT retest free?
It is free if you leave the vehicle at the test centre for repair and it is retested within 10 working days. It is also free if you take it back to the same centre before the end of the next working day for a partial retest of certain items, like lights, tyres or wipers.
What if I take the car away and come back later?
If you bring it back to the same centre within 10 working days, you can be charged a partial retest fee. After that, it needs a full test at the full fee.
Can I drive my car after it fails?
Only if your current MOT is still valid and no dangerous problems were found. Otherwise it has to be repaired first. What each defect means.
Can I appeal a fail?
Yes. GOV.UK explains how to appeal an MOT result if you think it is wrong; speak to the test centre first.
Related guides
MOT cost
Maximum fee £54.85 for a car, £29.65 for a motorcycle.
When is my MOT due?
First MOT at 3 years, and the earliest date to test.
Dangerous, major and minor
What each result means for driving.
Driving without an MOT
Fines up to £1,000, and the two exceptions.
MOT exemptions
Cars over 40 years old, tractors and more.
MOT classes explained
Class 1 to 7, and which centres test each.
Find an MOT centre
Official sources consulted: GOV.UK retests · GOV.UK after the test. MOT Test Centres is independent and not part of the DVSA or GOV.UK; fees and rules can change, so confirm on GOV.UK.