MOT Retests: How They Work After a Fail

What an MOT retest actually is

A retest is a further test carried out after a vehicle has failed, once the faults have been dealt with. It is not a full repeat of everything. In many cases the tester only needs to check the items that failed, though the details depend on the circumstances, so check the current rules.

The retest rules, including time limits and any fee, differ depending on whether the vehicle stays at the test centre or goes elsewhere for repair. Those details can change, so check the current official guidance on GOV.UK before assuming anything.

Why the failure sheet matters

Keep the failure sheet safe. It lists each defect, where it is on the vehicle and how serious it is. Without it, you are guessing. With it, a mechanic can go straight to the problem and give you a sensible estimate.

The sheet may also list advisories, which are items that passed but are worth watching. They are not reasons to fail, yet they tell you what may need attention soon, such as tyres getting low or a slight leak. Dealing with them while the vehicle is in the workshop can save a separate visit later.

• Defect description and location
• Whether it is minor, major or dangerous
• Advisory items to keep an eye on
• Any notes about retesting

Dangerous defects and driving home

A dangerous defect means there is a direct and immediate risk to safety or the environment. The vehicle should not be driven until it has been repaired. That is not the time to push your luck and hope it holds.

Major defects also mean a fail, and the vehicle should be repaired as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether it is safe to drive, ask a garage before moving it. If it is not safe, vehicle recovery or transportation to the workshop may be the sensible option. Check the current official rules for driving a failed vehicle, because the position depends on the type of defect and whether the previous MOT is still valid.

Getting repairs done before the retest

Once you have the sheet, the next step is to have each fault properly repaired. Typical failures include worn brake pads and discs, blown bulbs, tyres below the legal tread depth, corroded suspension parts, worn track rod ends, exhaust leaks and emissions problems.

The cost of putting these right depends on the part, the make and model and how much labour is involved, so ask for an estimate. We can look at the failure sheet and explain what needs doing, what is urgent and what could wait. The repairs should be done properly rather than patched up to scrape through, because the test is there for your safety.

• Ask what is essential for a pass and what is advisory
• Ask whether parts can be fitted at the same visit
• Keep the invoice with the failure sheet
• Ask about the retest timing before the work starts

Booking the retest

When the repairs are finished, the vehicle can be presented for its retest. If the work and the retest happen in the same place, it is often simpler, because the tester can see exactly what was done.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we carry out MOT failure repairs and MOT retests, so you can use one workshop for both. Ask us at the time about timing and any fee, and read the current official guidance so you know the rules that apply to your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions