MOTUK / Practical tools

Failed an MOT?
Work out your next step.

Understand repair and retest routes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

No account neededFree to useBased on official guidance

Where was the failed test?

Were any defects marked dangerous?

Is an earlier MOT still valid?

Has this vehicle already had a partial retest for this failure?

Will you use the same test station, under the same ownership?

Where will repairs take place?

When will the retest take place?

Are ALL failed items eligible for the free next-day retest?

Only certain items qualify. For example, a lamp fault may qualify but headlamp aim does not. Tyres and wheels on motorcycles are excluded.

Why don’t we calculate a GB retest deadline?

The free next-day route depends on the station’s working testing days and the failed items. Ask the original station to confirm the last eligible date and book the retest. Repair completion alone is not enough: the retest must take place in time.

What if I disagree with the result?

Check the appeal process before arranging repairs, which can affect an appeal. Read the GB appeal guidance or Northern Ireland guidance.