Is an MOT retest free?

It depends on when you return and where. Return to the same garage within one working day and it costs nothing. Leave it longer or go elsewhere and you'll pay — up to the full MOT fee again.

The three retest scenarios

The DVSA sets maximum charges for retests. What you pay is determined by two factors: how quickly you return, and whether you use the same testing station.

What does a partial retest actually check?

A partial retest only covers the specific items listed on your VT30 failure certificate — the document you receive when your car fails. The tester does not repeat the full inspection. This means a partial retest is typically much quicker than a full MOT, often taking just 15–20 minutes.

Any advisory items noted on the original test are not re-examined during a partial retest — they are observations, not failures.

What if my car fails the retest again?

If the vehicle fails again on the same items, or develops additional failures during the retest, you'll receive a new VT30. The same retest rules apply from that point — the 10-working-day clock does not reset from your original test date; it resets from the new failure date.

Should I repair at the same garage or take it elsewhere?

There is no obligation to have repairs done at the testing garage — you can take the car anywhere. The retest discount only applies if you return to the original testing station within the 10-working-day window. So you could have the work done by a cheaper mechanic elsewhere, then return to the original garage for the reduced-fee retest, as long as you're within the time limit.