Free Re-Test Items

If your car has failed its MOT, fees for re-examination may vary, depending on the circumstances.

What Are The Circumstances?

  • If you leave your vehicle with the authorised MOT station for repair and re-examination (within 10 days) – No Retest Fee.
  • If you take your vehicle away from the MOT station and returns for re-testing on issues other than what is listed below, then only the failed item (including any other items affected by the execution of the repair) needs to be re-examined by the MOT tester, for which the testing station may charge up to half of the full test fee. While this fee cannot be exceeded, the tester may conduct a full re-inspection if it is deemed necessary at the tester’s discretion.

Free re-test* items which, if failed initially, do not require the full test to be conducted again if the vehicle is (pre-booked in depending on available test slots) brought back to the MOT station and re-tested before the end of the next working day are listed below.

What are Free Re-test Items?

Free re-test* items which, if failed initially, do not require the full test to be conducted again if the vehicle is (pre-booked in depending on available test slots) brought back to the MOT station and re-tested before the end of the next working day are listed below.

It is fair to assume in most cases, if the vehicle needs to go into the workshop, be lifted onto a ramp, on the brake tester or cannot be checked in the car park, the free re-test will probably not apply.

*Only one free re-test is permissible per MOT.

  • Boot Lid
  • Bonnet
  • Brake Pedal Anti-Slip Devices
  • Direction Indicators/Hazard Warning
  • Doors
  • Van Drop Sides
  • Fuel Filler Cap
  • Horn
  • Lamps (not headlight aims)
  • Loading Door
  • Mirrors
  • Rear Reflectors
  • Registration Plates
  • Seatbelts (excluding anchorage points)
  • Seats
  • Steering Wheel
  • Van Tailboard
  • V.I.N (chassis number)
  • Windscreen
  • Windscreen Wipers/Washers
  • Wheels and Tyres
  • Tow Bar
Note: Please make sure you book your MOT test in advance of your existing MOT expiry date as a car with an invalid MOT certificate can be subject to a fine of up to £1,000 and your vehicle could be impounded.