MOT Failure and Re-Test Criteria
If your vehicle fails its MOT test, it doesn't meet the legal vehicle safety requirements in the UK. This means that repairs must be completed on your vehicle so that it complies with MOT test standards. Any dangerous or major faults will need to be repaired before the vehicle can be given an MOT pass certificate.
Your MOT tester will provide details on why your vehicle failed and the steps you need to take for your vehicle to meet the required standard. If you disagree with your MOT test failure, you can appeal against the result. You should ask for a VT17 form, which explains how to make an appeal. For certain failures, you are entitled to a free MOT retest. If your vehicle receives an MOT failure and is left at the test centre for repairs, then it will be retested for free.
You are also able to have an MOT free retest if your vehicle has failed on one or more of the faults listed below:
(Faults listed in alphabetical order)
- 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*
To qualify for a free partial retest on one or more of the above issues, you need to return the vehicle to the test centre by the end of the next working day.
*excludes motorbikes and motorbikes with sidecarsTalk To The Tyre Pros
“If your vehicle fails its MOT test, don’t worry! It might be a simple fix and you could be entitled to a free retest if your vehicle has failed on one or more of the issues above. Your MOT tester will explain your vehicle faults to you and how to fix them.”
