MOT Retest Costs Explained

Understanding the costs associated with your vehicle's annual MOT test is crucial for any car owner. While the initial MOT fee is fixed, the cost of a retest can vary. This article aims to demystify MOT retest pricing, explain when you might get one for free, and offer practical advice to help you avoid unexpected expenses.

What is an MOT Retest?

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection to ensure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. If your car fails the MOT, it will be issued with a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' detailing the reasons for failure. A retest is a follow-up inspection of the items that failed the initial test. It's essential to get these issues rectified to make your vehicle roadworthy.

MOT Retest Costs: The Basics

The cost of an MOT retest is not fixed by law in the UK. This means that garages are free to set their own prices for retests. However, there are common practices that most MOT centres adhere to.

When is an MOT Retest Free?

This is the most common question, and thankfully, there's a clear answer. You are entitled to a free MOT retest if you leave your vehicle at the test centre for repairs and it is then re-inspected within 10 working days of the original failure. This is a significant saving and a great incentive to have the necessary repairs carried out by the same garage that conducted the initial MOT.

When Might You Have to Pay for a Retest?

If you choose to take your car away from the test centre to have repairs done elsewhere, or if you bring it back for a retest more than 10 working days after the original failure, the garage is likely to charge you for the retest. The cost will be entirely at the garage's discretion. Some garages may offer a reduced rate for a retest if you use their repair services, while others might charge a full or partial MOT fee.

Factors Influencing Retest Costs

Several factors can influence how much a garage charges for an MOT retest:

• Garage's pricing policy: Each garage sets its own prices for services, including retests.
• Complexity of the repairs: While the retest itself is a visual inspection of the previously failed items, some garages might factor in the time taken to check the repairs.
• Time elapsed since the original test: As mentioned, if more than 10 working days have passed, you're more likely to be charged.
• Type of repairs needed: Minor adjustments might be included in a free retest, but if significant work was required, the garage might charge more for the subsequent inspection.

Typical Costs of an MOT Retest

While there's no set price, you can expect the cost of a paid MOT retest to range from:

• £10 - £30 for a partial retest (checking specific items).
• £25 - £50 (or the full MOT fee) if a more comprehensive re-examination is required or if the 10-working-day window has passed.

It's always best to ask the garage about their retest policy before you leave your car for its initial MOT or if it fails.

What if My Car Fails the MOT?

If your car fails its MOT, you cannot legally drive it on public roads unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test centre for a retest. The vehicle must be repaired to meet the minimum standards before it can be used legally again. The failure certificate (VT30) will clearly list the 'dangerous' and 'major' faults that need to be addressed. Minor faults will also be listed but do not cause an immediate failure.

Common Reasons for MOT Failure

Understanding common failure points can help you prepare for your MOT:

Tips for Passing Your MOT First Time

To minimise the chances of your car failing and incurring retest costs, consider these preventative measures:

• Regular Servicing: Keep up with your car's scheduled maintenance. Regular servicing often catches potential MOT issues before they become serious.
• Check Lights: Before your test, walk around your car and check that all exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights) are working correctly and are clean.
• Tyre Tread Depth: Ensure your tyres have more than 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread. You can check this with a tread depth gauge or a 20p coin (if the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted into the tread, it's likely too low).
• Windscreen Condition: Check for any chips or cracks in your windscreen, especially in the driver's line of sight. A chip larger than 10mm or a crack longer than 40mm can lead to failure.
• Wiper Blades: Ensure your wiper blades are not perished or torn and that they clear the windscreen effectively.
• Fluid Levels: Check your engine oil, brake fluid, and screen wash levels. Low brake fluid is a critical failure point.
• Horn: Make sure your car's horn works and sounds correctly.
• Pre-MOT Checks: Many garages offer pre-MOT checks or advisories. While these are not failures, addressing them can prevent future MOT failures.

What to do if Your Car Fails

If your car fails, you'll receive a VT30 certificate detailing the issues. You have a few options:

1. Leave it for Repair: If you leave your car at the test centre for repairs, they can retest it. If the retest is completed within 10 working days of the original failure, it's usually free.
2. Take it Elsewhere for Repair: You can take your car to another garage for repairs. Once repaired, you'll need to bring it back to the original test centre for a retest. Be aware that if you bring it back after 10 working days, or if the garage deems the retest requires a full inspection, you will likely be charged.

It's always a good idea to get a quote for the repairs and the retest before agreeing to any work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long do I have to get an MOT retest?

You can have a free retest if you leave your vehicle at the test centre for repair and it is re-inspected within 10 working days of the original failure. If you collect your vehicle and bring it back later, or after 10 working days, the garage can charge you.

Q2: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?

You can only drive your car if it has a valid MOT certificate or if you are driving it to a pre-booked appointment at a place of repair or an MOT test centre. Driving a car that has failed its MOT (and is not being taken for a retest) is illegal and can result in penalties.

Q3: What is the maximum charge for an MOT retest?

There is no legal maximum charge. The cost is determined by the individual garage. However, if the retest is carried out within 10 working days at the same test centre, it is often free or offered at a significantly reduced rate.

Q4: Does a partial retest cost less?

A partial retest, where only specific items are checked, might cost less than a full retest. However, the decision and pricing are at the garage's discretion. It's best to clarify this with the test centre.

Q5: What if my car fails on a 'dangerous' item?

If your car fails on a 'dangerous' item, it must not be driven on the road until it has been repaired. You'll need to get it repaired and then have it retested.

In conclusion, while the initial MOT fee is regulated, the cost of an MOT retest can vary. By understanding the rules, keeping your car well-maintained, and communicating with your chosen test centre, you can navigate the MOT process more smoothly and potentially save money on retest fees.

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