We’re often asked what the ‘rules’ are regarding retests when a car fails its MOT. If your car unfortunately fails its MOT test, you have a number of options depending on the kind of problem which needs repairing.
1. Free retest – minor issues
If your car fails due to the fairly minor issues in the following table, then you can either let us fix them and retest your car (at no extra charge) or you can take the car away, fix them yourself, and bring it back for a retest before the end of the next working day, also at no extra charge, although please check with us that we have capacity to do the retest:
| Bonnet Sharp Edges Boot lid Steering Wheel Brake Pedal Anti-slip Tailboard Direction Indicators Tailgate Doors VIN Dropsides Seat Belts |
Windscreen and Glass Fuel Filler Cap Wipers and Washers Hazard Warning Wheels and Tyres Horn Lamps Loading Door Mirrors Rear Reflectors Registration Plates Seats |
2. Free retest – significant issues
If your car fails for any other reason, then you can still leave it with us for repair and we will retest it for free once we’ve resolved the problems.
3. Partial retest – half-test fee charged
If your car fails with a fault not connected with those in the table, for example a steering or brake problem, then of course you have the option to take it to be repaired elsewhere. As long as you bring it back to us within 10 working days of the original test we can perform a partial retest which is charged at half the normal MOT test fee.
Removing the car for more than 10 days means a full new MOT test will be required and the full fee charged once again.
Also please remember your car can not be driven without an MOT unless you are driving (a) to a pre-booked MOT test, or (b) to a garage to have repairs done in connection with an MOT test.
If you have lost your MOT Certificate
You do not have to have your car MOT tested just in order to get a replacement certificate. As the system is now computerised nationwide we can issue an MOT certificate for any car as long as we have the registration number and either the MOT reference number or the reference number from your V5C document (logbook). We may make a charge of up to £10.
Do You Even Need an MOT?
Only cars less than 3 years old and (oddly perhaps) cars made before 1960 are exempt from the MOT requirement.
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Triggs Garage – Hutton near Brentwood – Essex
Vehicle Servicing & MOT Garage