What If My Car Fails Its MOT?

If your vehicle fails its MOT test, you will be provided with a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’. You will need to keep a careful hold of this document as it will detail exactly what issues need to be addressed, and you’ll need it in the case of a retest or appeal.

  • Free partial retest within 1 working day: If you can address the issues raised during the test and return the vehicle to the test centre within 1 working day, the retest is free.
  • Partial retest within 10 working days: If you can address the issues raised during the test and return the vehicle to the test centre within 10 working days, there is a partial retest fee, which is normally half of the total cost.
  • Return the vehicle after 10 days: If you return the vehicle for another MOT test after the 10 working day period, you will be charged the full test fee.
  • Appealing a failed MOT: If it is your opinion that the failed test is not a fair decision, having discussed it first with the test centre, you will need to complete a complaint form and send this to the DVSA within 14 working days. Do not complete any repairs while awaiting their decision as this could negatively affect your appeal.