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To avoid having to pay for a new test, you generally have 10 working days to fix any MOT failures and then return to the original test centre for a free or partially discounted retest.
However, it’s important to note that if your car fails its MOT, you must address the issues before you can legally drive it again.
If you have repairs done at the test centre, you can often qualify for a free or reduced-cost retest.
If you take your vehicle away for repairs, you must ensure the repairs are completed before your current MOT certificate expires.
You are allowed to take your car away for repairs if the MOT has failed but is still valid. However, once the MOT expires, you must not drive your car unless you’re heading to a pre-arranged MOT test or for repairs.
If your MOT has expired, you can drive your car to get repairs done or to a pre-booked retest appointment, but you cannot drive it for any other purpose.
In certain cases, a partial retest can be performed for free if your car is returned to the same test centre before the end of the next working day, or within 10 working days if repairs were done elsewhere.
If your MOT has expired or failed, you should not drive on public roads until it has passed the retest. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle can lead to fines, points on your licence, or even a driving ban.