Getting an MOT retest can be a confusing and often stressful experience for vehicle owners. This stress comes from the fact that they may have to make another schedule, pay again to get a test, and other reasons. But the truth is that there’s nothing to worry about.
The MOT retest process is simple and if you meet the retest timing, you may even get a retest for free. This article answers all questions you may have about the MOT retest and gives a detailed guide on the process, fees, and tips on preparing for a test.
What is an MOT Retest?
An MOT retest is a follow-up examination conducted on a vehicle that has failed its initial MOT test. The primary purpose of this retest is to verify that any issues identified during the original test have been rectified.
Let’s say your vehicle had some ‘major’ and ‘dangerous’ defects. The retest checks to see that the defects are fixed and your vehicle is in safe condition and roadworthy. The test can be either partial or full, depending on the nature of the faults highlighted in the VT30 document issued after the initial test.
What is the VT30?
When a car fails its MOT, it receives a VT30 form detailing the major and dangerous defects that need addressing. The importance of this process cannot be overstated; it ensures that vehicles on the road meet safety and environmental standards, contributing to overall road safety.
Why Do Vehicles Fail Their MOT Tests?
Vehicles can fail their MOT tests for various reasons, ranging from minor issues like worn-out wipers to major safety concerns such as brake failures or emissions problems. Common reasons for failing an MOT include:
- Lighting and Signaling: Faulty lights or indicators can lead to immediate failure.
- Brakes: Ineffective braking systems are a significant safety hazard.
- Tyres: Worn or damaged tyres can compromise vehicle control on the road.
- Emissions: Vehicles must meet specific emission standards; exceeding these limits results in failure – especially for the ULEZ.
Understanding these common problems can help vehicle owners take proactive measures to ensure their cars pass the initial test. All they need to do is make sure these vehicle parts are in good working order, and there should be little to nothing to worry about.
READ ALSO: How long is an MOT certificate normally valid? (Answered)
MOT Retest Rules to Remember
MOT retests come with specific rules that must be followed to ensure compliance and avoid additional costs. Some of the key rules to remember include:
- Timeframe: You need to book an MOT retest within 21 days of the initial failure, and it must be completed within 60 days.
- Location: The retest should ideally be conducted at the same test centre unless repairs are made elsewhere.
- Partial vs. Full: A partial retest focuses only on the failed components, while a full retest examines all aspects of the vehicle.
- Cost: The maximum price for an MOT is £54.85. This means test centres cannot charge more than £27.45 for a partial retest.
Knowing these rules will give you a better experience before your next MOT retest.
How Much Does an MOT Retest Cost?
The cost of an MOT retest varies depending on several factors, including where you have it performed and whether it’s a partial or full test. Generally:
- Partial Retests: Most garages offer free partial MOT retests if you take your vehicle to the same test centre within 10 working days after repairs. If repairs are done elsewhere but returned within one working day, it’s also free of charge. If the vehicle is returned after ten days, you will be charged a partial retest fee.
- Full Retests: If you opt for a full MOT test at a different garage or after ten working days, you will typically pay the full fee again, which is around £54.85. It is, however, much more affordable to just go for a partial retest, which costs less than half what an MOT costs.
Ultimately, the choice is yours on how much you want to spend based on how long it takes to get the retest done and the MOT test centre chosen.
Can You Get a Free MOT Retest if Your Car Fails?
Yes, you can get a free MOT retest as long as you follow a few instructions. You need to leave your car for repairs at the test centre where you initially failed the MOT. If you do this, the retest will be completely free.
It will also be free if you take it somewhere else for repairs, but you must make sure to return it for retesting before the end of the next working day.
How to Book an MOT Re-test
Scheduling an MOT retest is easy, though it varies slightly depending on a test center. Here’s how you can book:
- Call your test centre: If you had your first test at a particular centre, you should call that test centre for retesting and they will give you the instructions to schedule one.
- Online booking: Many of the garages are now offering online booking, where you can choose the available time and book a retest.
- Documentation: Have your VT30 form ready when you call to book; this is the document that details why your vehicle failed and will be very important to your technician.
Effective communication with the testing centre of your choice will make the booking process less stressful, so ensure that you give them as much information as possible.
READ ALSO: Driving Without an MOT: Penalties, Legalities, and What You Need to Know
What Happens During an MOT Retest?
An MOT retest is an examination conducted on the vehicle, but mainly those areas that caused the initial MOT failure. So, before anything else, there will be a repair inspection. This makes sure that all the items listed on the VT30 form are dealt with.
After the verification, various systems will be tested again to ensure compliance with safety standards and the car keeper will find out if it passed the tests or not. If there are still major or dangerous defects, the owner will have to make repairs and get another retest. If the vehicle passes the test, they get an MOT certificate.
How Long Does an MOT Retest Take?
The duration of an MOT retest can vary based on several factors:
- Complexity of repairs: If repairs were extensive, it may take longer for technicians to verify everything is up to standard.
- Test centre workload: Busy garages may take longer due to queued vehicles waiting for testing.
Typically, most mot tests take about 45 minutes to 1 hour; however, it’s advisable to check with your specific testing centre for more accurate estimates.
What to Do If Your Car Has Failed Its MOT
If your vehicle fails its MOT retest, you will be given another VT30 form listing new failures found at the time of testing. After receiving this form, make sure you understand why the failure occurred and discuss with your technicians the best ways to eliminate these problems.
Your next step would be to get repairs done. You will need to decide whether you want the repairs done at the same garage or you would prefer to take your vehicle away for repairs; just bear in mind that coming back within ten working days may save money.
Once repairs are carried out, book another MOT as soon as possible and you should be good to go. Remember to do this as quickly as possible so you can get your vehicle on the road in little or no time.
Tips for Passing Your Next MOT Test
To increase your chances of passing your next MOT test, keep these in mind:
- Carry out a simple pre-test check yourself new MOT retest. Check basic lights, brakes, tyres, and wipers before going into your MOT appointment.
- If you are nearing an MOT date, give the car a professional service; they can diagnose early problems.
- Keep yourself updated with all MOT regulation changes for seasons that may alter the compliant status of your vehicle.
- Get a car history report to view MOT history records and the parts that are most likely to fail the test. Place priority on these parts and get them repaired.
- Ensure timely booking in of all necessary repairs.
- Understand possible costs of retests.
- Familiarize yourself with the MOT regulations.
- Keep the documentation on hand for reference, if needed.
By following these tips, you will not only give yourself the best possible opportunity to pass but also make the conditions of driving safer overall.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the MOT retest process is key to ensuring your vehicle stays roadworthy. Don’t forget to conduct an MOT history check to view past issues and check them before going for a retest. This helps you address potential problems early, boosting your chances of passing and keeping you safe on the road.
To get a retest free to charge, you must remember to return your vehicle for a retest within 10 working days. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and may get you up to a £2,000 fine.
