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MOT Retest 2026: Free Within 10 Days, £30+ Elsewhere
When a UK MOT test ends in a fail, the DVSA free-retest framework gives drivers two routes to a no-fee re-inspection: a free full retest the next working day if the car is left overnight, or a free partial retest within 10 working days if the car comes back to the same garage. A second test at any other garage costs the standard fee, up to £54.85 on Class 4.
Same garage, within 10 working days
Partial retest on the originally failed items only. Full retest if left overnight and re-tested the next working day.
Any other garage, or after 10 days
Standard full MOT test fee applies: up to £54.85 on Class 4 cars, less in practice.
Retest Cost by Scenario
| Scenario | Retest cost | Window | Eligibility detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leave the car at the original garage overnight | Free full retest | Next working day | Same garage, repairs done by them or under their supervision before the next working day's test slot. |
| Return to the original garage within 10 working days | Free partial retest | 10 working days from the original fail | Same garage, partial retest covers only the items that originally failed. If anything else has changed or deteriorated, a full retest fee may apply. |
| Return to the original garage after 10 working days | Full fee up to £54.85 | After 10 working days | Same garage but outside the partial retest window. Full test fee applies. |
| Go to a different garage at any point | Full fee up to £54.85 | Anytime | Any other DVSA-licensed garage. The free retest rules apply only at the original testing garage. |
Partial vs Full Retest: What Gets Re-Inspected
Partial retest
The garage re-inspects only the items that were recorded as failed on the original VT30 fail certificate. The vehicle does not go through a full MOT inspection again. If the failed items are now within spec, the vehicle passes and the garage issues a VT20 pass certificate. The MOT expiry date follows from the original test date plus 12 months.
Full retest
The garage runs the entire MOT inspection from scratch. This is what happens if you wait more than 10 working days, take the car to a different garage or have the car re-inspected after substantial repairs that go beyond the originally failed items.
What If New Defects Appear on the Retest?
A partial retest is scoped to the original fail items only. But if a new defect has obviously appeared or worsened between the original test and the retest (for example a tyre below tread limit after a week of additional driving, or a brake light bulb that has since gone), the garage can either:
- Add the new item to the original fail certificate without charging a full retest fee, provided it remains a quick re-inspection.
- Convert the visit to a full retest at the standard fee if the new defect changes the scope of inspection materially.
Discretion sits with the garage. Consumer right is to ask before agreeing to additional work.
Can You Drive Between Test and Retest?
Whether you can drive the failed vehicle depends on the defect category recorded by the tester:
- Minor (advisory). The vehicle has passed. Advisory items are recorded for awareness but do not cause a failure.
- Major. The vehicle has failed. You may drive to a pre-booked repair appointment if your previous MOT certificate is still valid; otherwise driving on public roads is not permitted.
- Dangerous. The vehicle has failed. You may not drive on public roads at all until the dangerous defect is rectified. Tow or trailer to the repair location only.
See /what-happens-if-you-fail for the full defect-category framework and driving rules.
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