Free MOT retest
What should I do if my car fails its MOT test?
If your vehicle does not meet the standards set out by the DVSA it will fail its MOT test, and must be repaired before an MOT pass certificate can be issued. A valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement in the UK, and you will be unable to renew your road tax until a current MOT pass certificate is issued.
The nominated tester at the centre will provide a VT30 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate', giving a report on the areas in which your vehicle failed and will be able to provide advice in order to rectify any issues highlighted during the MOT test. Please note that some Kwik Fit centres may be unable to carry out some types of repair work required if your vehicle fails its MOT. For more information, please contact your local centre.
If you think the nominated tester has been unfair, you can appeal against the decision. Please ask for a VT17 form that explains how to make an appeal against the results of an MOT test.
There are also certain circumstances in which you may be entitled to a free MOT re-test.
My car has failed its MOT check, can I still drive it?
It is illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate, so whether you can drive your car will depend on whether the date on your old MOT certificate has passed. If the renewal date on your valid MOT test certificate is still to come, then you may only drive your car to be repaired or to a pre-arranged MOT appointment, and even then only if it has been confirmed as roadworthy.
Except for in some exceptional circumstances, you should absolutely not drive a car that does not have an MOT - as you may not be covered by your insurance. For peace of mind it’s worth booking your MOT before your old one runs out – you can book up to 28 days in advance and your old date will roll over to the next year, you will not lose out on the days in between.
If the vehicle fails solely because of one or more specific items (see list below) and no other unlisted failures are identified, provided the vehicle is returned for re-test by the end of the next working day, then no fee applies.
How to claim an MOT re-test free of charge
The DVSA stipulates that there are only two sets of circumstances in which the MOT re-test is free of charge, that is:
- If the vehicle has failed the MOT check and is left at the testing station for repair and re-test and does not leave the testing station, then the re-test is free.
- If the vehicle fails because of one or more specific items (see list below), provided the vehicle is returned for re-test by the end of the next working day, then no fee applies.
Free Retest Criteria
No fee will be charged for a retest if your vehicle is repaired and returned for a retest before the end of the next working day if the failure is for one of the following:
- Bonnet
- Boot lid
- Brake pedal anti-slip device
- Direction indicators
- Doors
- Drop-sides
- Fuel Filler Cap
- Hazard Warning
- Horn
- Lamps
- Loading door
- Mirrors
- Rear reflectors
- Registration plates
- Seat belts (but not anchorages)
- Seats
- Sharp edges or projections
- Steering wheel
- Tailboard
- Tailgate
- Tyres *
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Windscreen and glass
- Windscreen washer and wipers
- Wheels *
* Excludes motorbikes and motorbikes with sidecars
If your vehicle fails an emissions test because of defective exhaust components, it may not be necessary to replace the complete exhaust system. Even a small leak in the exhaust can affect test readings so have the exhaust components checked at Kwik Fit before submitting your vehicle for its annual MOT Test.
If you have any questions or need any more information, feel free to contact your local Kwik Fit centre.
