MOT Retest After Repairs - Everything You Need to Know

After repairing the faults that caused your car to fail its MOT, the next step is the retest to get your MOT certificate. In this article, Car-Pol Auto Services explains everything you need to know about MOT retests - the rules, procedures, costs, and how to prepare your car to pass first time.

The Free Retest - 10 Working Day Rule

If your car failed its MOT, you're entitled to a free retest under certain conditions. This is a significant saving since a full MOT test costs up to £54.85 for a car.

Conditions for Free Retest

To qualify for a free retest, you must meet all the following conditions:

1. Return to the Same MOT Center
The free retest is only available at the same center that conducted the original test. You can't go to a different center and expect a free retest.

2. Return Within 10 Working Days
You have 10 working days (not calendar days) from the date of the original test. Working days don't include weekends and bank holidays, so you actually have about 2 calendar weeks. If you're late by even one day, you'll have to pay for a full new test.

3. Book the Retest in Advance
You can't just turn up and expect an immediate retest. You must book an appointment in advance, just like the original test. Some MOT centers can have long queues, so book as soon as possible after the repairs are done.

4. Repair All Failure Items
All faults marked as "dangerous" (dangerous defects) and "major" (major defects) must be repaired. You don't have to fix "minor" (minor defects) or "advisory" items, but it's worth considering.

What's Checked During the Free Retest

During the free retest, the MOT tester will check:

Mainly:

• All items that caused the original failure
• Confirmation that repairs have been done correctly

Additionally:

• A few basic safety checks
• Lights (quick check)
• Brakes (basic check)
• Tyres (visual check)

The free retest is much quicker than a full test - usually taking 15-30 minutes instead of an hour. The tester doesn't have to recheck everything that was fine during the original test.

Full New MOT Test - When It's Needed

In some situations, you can't use the free retest and must get a full new test. This costs the full test price (up to £54.85 for a car).

When You Need a Full New Test

1. More Than 10 Working Days Have Passed
If you didn't manage to get the car repaired and return within 10 working days, your right to a free retest expires. You must pay for a full new test.

2. You Want to Go to a Different MOT Center
If for any reason you can't or don't want to return to the original center, you can get a full new test at any other center. You'll have to pay the full price.

3. The Center Doesn't Offer Free Retests
Although most MOT centers offer free retests according to regulations, some may have their own policies. Always confirm with the center before getting repairs done.

4. Repairs Took a Long Time
If repairs were complicated and took more than 10 working days, you have no choice - you must get a full new test.

Advantages of a Full New Test

Although a full new test costs money, it has some advantages:

• You can choose any MOT center
• Full check of the entire car (not just repaired items)
• Fresh start without the pressure of the 10-day deadline
• Possibility of using a center closer to your home or work

Preparing Your Car for Retest

At Car-Pol Auto Services, we don't just repair the faults that caused MOT failure - we also prepare your car to pass the retest first time. Here's our process:

1. Repair All MOT Faults

First, we repair all the faults listed in the VT30 report that caused failure. We use high-quality parts and professional repair methods. We don't do "quick fixes" - we do it right the first time.

2. Quality Check of Repairs

After completing repairs, we conduct our own quality check. We verify that each repair has been done correctly and that the problem has been completely resolved. For example, if we replaced brake pads, we test the brakes on the road to ensure they work evenly and effectively.

3. Additional Check of MOT Items

Next, we check other items that are tested during MOT, even if they didn't cause the original failure. We check:

• All lights (front, rear, indicators, brake lights)
• Tyres (tread depth, pressure, condition)
• Wipers and washers
• Horn
• Seat belts
• Number plates
• Dashboard warning lights
• Fluid levels

If we find any potential problems, we inform you. It's better to fix them now than risk another failure.

4. Road Test

For most repairs, we carry out a short road test to ensure the car drives properly. We check braking, suspension, steering, and general car behavior. This gives us confidence that everything is working as it should.

5. Cleaning the Car

Before returning the car, we clean it - particularly areas where we worked. We also check that we haven't left any tools or parts in the car. We want you to collect a clean, test-ready car.

What to Bring to the MOT Retest

When you go for the retest, make sure you have:

1. VT30 Report from the Original Test
The MOT center needs this document to confirm you qualify for a free retest. Without it, you may be asked to pay for a full new test.

2. Proof of Repair (Optional)
Although not required, an invoice from the garage showing what repairs were done can be helpful. At Car-Pol, we always provide a detailed invoice listing all repairs carried out.

3. ID and Vehicle Documents
As with the original test, you may need ID and vehicle documents (V5C logbook). Not all centers require this, but it's better to have them with you.

What Happens During the Retest

When you arrive for the retest, the process is similar to the original test but shorter:

1. Registration
Report to the MOT center reception. Provide your VT30 report and confirm you want the free retest. The center will check you're within the 10-day window.

2. Inspection
The MOT tester will mainly check the items that caused the original failure. They'll also carry out a few basic safety checks. This usually takes 15-30 minutes.

3. Result
After completing the inspection, the tester will tell you whether the car passed or failed. If it passed, you'll receive your MOT certificate. If it failed, you'll receive a new VT30 report explaining why.

What If My Car Fails the Retest

If your car fails the retest despite repairs, it's frustrating but not the end of the world. This can happen for several reasons:

1. Repair Wasn't Done Correctly
Sometimes a repair doesn't completely solve the problem. For example, if only brake pads were replaced but the discs were also worn, the brakes might still not work properly. If we repaired the car at Car-Pol, we'll fix it at no additional cost.

2. A New Problem Has Appeared
Sometimes something else breaks between the original test and the retest. This is bad luck, but it can happen. You'll need to repair the new problem and return for another retest.

3. The Tester Found Something New
Sometimes the tester during the retest notices something that was missed during the original test. Although this is rare, it can happen. You'll need to repair the new problem.

4. Different Standards Between Testers
Different testers can have slightly different interpretations of some test items. Something one tester considered acceptable, another might consider a fault. This is frustrating but legal.

How to Increase Your Chances of Passing the Retest

Here are some tips to increase your chances of passing the retest first time:

1. Repair All Faults, Not Just the Main Ones
Although technically you only have to repair "dangerous" and "major" faults, it's worth also fixing "minor" faults. This eliminates the risk of the tester considering them more serious during the retest.

2. Check the Car Before the Retest
Before going for the retest, do your own quick check. Check all lights, tyres, wipers, horn. Make sure nothing new has broken since the repairs.

3. Clean the Car
Although car cleanliness doesn't affect the MOT result, a clean car makes inspection easier for the tester and creates a better impression. Particularly clean the lights, number plates, and underside if it's very dirty.

4. Fill the Fuel Tank
Make sure you have enough fuel. The center must start the engine and test emissions, so you need at least a quarter tank.

5. Choose a Good Garage for Repairs
Most importantly - choose a garage that knows what it's doing and carries out repairs correctly first time. At Car-Pol, we specialize in MOT failure repairs and have an excellent reputation for preparing cars to pass the retest.

Contact Car-Pol Auto Services

If you need to repair your car after MOT failure and prepare it for retest, contact Car-Pol Auto Services. Call +44 7892 679554 or +44 7402 953343. You can also message us on WhatsApp. We serve customers in Polish and English.

Our workshop is located on Barton Street in Gloucester. We specialize in MOT failure repairs and prepare cars to pass the retest first time. Our goal is for you to return to the MOT center confident that your car is fully prepared and will pass the test.

Don't risk another test failure due to incorrectly done repairs. Trust Car-Pol - a garage that understands MOT requirements and knows how to prepare cars to pass the test. We serve drivers from Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Stroud, and surrounding areas.