As someone who’s been writing about UK car ownership for over five years, I can confidently say: few things cause as much confusion for new drivers — or people moving to the UK — as the MOT. More specifically, understanding what happens if your car fails it.
Let’s start by clearing up one of the most common misunderstandings I hear from readers and fellow drivers alike.
✅ An MOT check and an MOT test mean the same thing.
The terms are often used interchangeably. Whether your garage says it’s time for your “MOT test” or you’re checking your vehicle’s “MOT status” online, it’s referring to the same legal requirement: the annual inspection of a vehicle’s safety, roadworthiness, and emissions performance.
What is an MOT check and what happens when your car fails it?
In the UK, most vehicles over three years old must undergo an MOT test once a year. This is a legal requirement under the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), part of the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
The test checks that your car meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards. If your car fails, the garage issues a VT30 refusal certificate explaining why.
These failures are grouped into three categories:
- Dangerous: Serious safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven.
- Major: Fails the test. Repairs must be made before driving.
- Minor: The car passes, but small issues need attention.
This classification is what determines your options — and potential costs — after the test.
Real story: What happened in Peterborough
A driver from Peterborough recently shared their story online in an automotive forum: their vehicle failed its MOT due to a broken headlight. They fixed the issue themselves and planned to return to the same test centre but weren’t sure whether they’d need to pay the full test fee again.
That’s where the MOT retest rules come in — and they can save you money, provided you know them.
What determines your MOT retest eligibility?
Whether you qualify for a partial or full MOT retest depends on a few key conditions. The DVSA outlines how garages can handle retests based on how and when you bring your vehicle back for inspection. But beyond just the timelines, it’s important to understand what makes your car eligible for a retest in the first place.
Some key factors that determine your retest eligibility include:
- The type and severity of the faults that caused the failure.
- Whether you chose to have the vehicle repaired at the same garage.
- The time elapsed since the original test.
- If you’re returning to the same MOT test centre.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can read the official MOT retest guidance directly from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA):
What counts as a partial MOT retest?
Partial MOT retests are only required to re-check the components that caused your vehicle to fail the first time. These include basic repairs such as:
- Lights (bulbs, indicators).
- Tyres or wheels.
- Wipers or mirrors.
- Batteries or seatbelts.
- Number plates or horns.
Always ask your garage for confirmation — not all offer the same policy.
How much does an MOT retest cost?
Here’s what you might pay depending on your situation:
| Type of MOT | Typical Cost |
| Full MOT | Up to £54.85 (DVSA cap) |
| Partial Retest (same garage, < 10 days) | £10–£20 |
| Free Retest | Some garages offer it if they repaired the vehicle |
Many national chains such as Kwik Fit and Halfords offer free retests — but only if you meet their specific return conditions.
Scenario comparison: What kind of retest applies?
| Scenario | Retest Type | Cost |
| You leave the car at the same garage for repairs and retest within 10 days | Partial Retest | Usually Free |
| You take the car away and return it to the same garage within 10 days | Partial Retest | £10–£20 |
| You return after 10 working days (even to the same garage) | Full MOT Test | Up to £54.85 |
| You go to a different garage for the retest | Full MOT Test | Up to £54.85 |
📌 Note: “Working days” do not include weekends or public holidays.
MOT retest checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you qualify for a partial or free MOT retest:
✅ The issue has been repaired
✅ You’re returning to the same MOT test centre
✅ You’re within 10 working days of the failed MOT
✅ You still have the VT30 failure certificate
✅ The issue falls under items eligible for partial retest (e.g. lights, tyres, wipers)
Missing any of these? You’ll likely need to pay for a full MOT check.
📌 Note: Some garages may offer a partial retest free of charge, especially if the vehicle was repaired on-site and returned within 10 working days. (Refer to the DVSA guidelines above)
Can you drive a car that failed its MOT check?
You can only drive it legally if:
- The failure wasn’t marked as dangerous.
- The previous MOT certificate is still valid.
- You’re driving to a pre-booked MOT or repair appointment.
Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT — especially with a dangerous defect — is not only illegal but could result in a fine and points on your licence.
Use a free MOT check to stay ahead
Want to avoid surprises next year? Use the Free MOT History Checker from CarAnalytics to:
- Check if your MOT is still valid.
- View past advisory notes and failures.
- Know your upcoming MOT due date.
- MOT check count.
It’s especially helpful if you’re buying a used car or unsure about your vehicle’s recent test history.
Check MOT Instantly for Free!
Need to book an MOT garage?
If you’re due for a retest — or a full MOT — finding a trusted garage is key. Use our MOT garage booking page to search garages near you by postcode, compare prices, and book online.
👉Book my MOT test Instantly
Frequently asked questions on MOT check
You’ll need to book and pay for a full MOT test again. The 10-working-day window is strict and resets after that.
Yes, but the new garage will treat it as a fresh test and charge the full MOT fee. To qualify for a partial retest, you must return to the same MOT centre.
No. Advisory items are suggestions, not failures. They aren’t rechecked unless you ask. Still, it’s a good idea to address them before they become bigger issues.
