The MOT 10 Working Day Retest Rule Explained

The 10 working day rule is the cheapest second chance in the UK MOT system. Used correctly, a failed test costs nothing extra to put right. Run a free MOT history check before any test and book the retest at the same VTS as soon as repairs are complete.

What the rule actually says

DVSA's MOT testing guide on GOV.UK requires every authorised VTS to offer a partial retest if the vehicle returns within 10 working days of the failure. The fee is capped at £27.43 — exactly half the standard Class 4 cap of £54.85.

If the failure was for a limited set of items and you return the same day, the retest is free. The full list of free-retest items is in DVSA's MOT Inspection Manual and includes lights, bulbs, mirrors, tyre pressures, and most simple fail items that do not require a ramp inspection.

What counts as a working day

Working days are Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays. Saturdays and Sundays do not count even if the VTS is open. A failure on Monday 1 June 2026 has a partial retest deadline of Monday 15 June (skipping the weekend, no bank holidays in this stretch).

If your VTS is closed on weekdays — some independents close Mondays — the 10 working days still tick down. Plan repairs accordingly. Always confirm working days with the garage at the time of the fail.

Free same-day partial retest

If the only failure items are on DVSA's free-retest list and you return the vehicle to the same VTS before close of business on the same day, the retest is free. Common examples include a blown bulb, a windscreen wiper not clearing the swept area, a missing wing mirror or a nearly-bald tyre that just needs replacing.

The exact list is in MOT Inspection Manual Annex 6. If any major mechanical work is needed (brakes, suspension, emissions), the retest moves to the partial fee structure even on the same day.

• Bulbs and lamp lenses
• Wiper blades
• Mirrors (door, wing, interior)
• Number plates
• Tyre pressures only
• Seat belt operation (where re-securing solves the issue)

The £27.43 partial retest fee

If the repairs cannot be completed the same day, or the failure items fall outside the free list, you pay up to £27.43 for the partial retest. Many VTSes charge less, especially council MOT centres and college garages — typical real-world fees are £15-£25.

The retest is partial — the tester only re-checks the items listed on the original VT30. They are not allowed to re-test the rest of the car. If they find a new defect during the partial retest, they note it as an advisory rather than a fail (DVSA Inspection Manual rule).

After 10 working days: full fee

If you miss the 10 working day window, the rule no longer applies. You pay the full £54.85 Class 4 fee (£29.65 motorbike, £58.60 Class 7 van) and the entire test is repeated, not just the previous failure items.

From the tester's perspective this is a fresh test — every section is checked again. Other items may now fail or move to advisory. Plan repairs to get back inside the 10-day window if at all possible.

Worked example

Imagine your car fails on Friday 5 June 2026 at a Halfords Autocentre with three items: a snapped coil spring, a torn outer CV boot and a misaligned headlight. None are on the free list because they need a ramp.

Working days run Monday 8, Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Thursday 11, Friday 12, Monday 15, Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17, Thursday 18, Friday 19. The retest window closes at the end of Friday 19 June. If repairs are complete by Wednesday 17, return that day, pay £27.43, and the partial retest covers only the three items. Miss Friday 19 and the next test is a fresh £54.85 with everything re-checked.

How to make the rule work for you

Six tactics keep more money in your pocket. Run a free MOT history check the day after to confirm the VT30 is on the digital record before scheduling the retest.

If the VTS is also doing the repairs, ask whether they can fit you in for the retest while the car is still in the bay — this often qualifies for the same-day free retest under their internal policy.

• Get the test done early in the year (more retest slots available)
• Choose a VTS that does both testing and repairs (one trip)
• Pre-test bulbs, tyres and washer fluid to avoid easy fails
• Complete repairs by the eighth working day to allow buffer
• Confirm the partial retest fee at booking — many charge less than £27.43
• Keep the original VT30 — the retest tester needs to see the failure list

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MOT 10 working day rule?

DVSA requires every authorised VTS to offer a partial retest within 10 working days of an MOT failure. The fee is capped at £27.43, half the standard Class 4 fee, or free for limited same-day items.

Does the 10 days include weekends?

No. The 10 working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. A Friday failure gives until the end of Friday two weeks later in a normal stretch with no bank holidays.

How much is a partial MOT retest?

Up to £27.43, half the standard Class 4 fee. Council MOT centres and many independents charge less, typically £15-£25. Same-day retests for limited items on DVSA's free list are free.

What happens if I miss the 10 day window?

You pay the full £54.85 Class 4 fee (or relevant class fee) and the entire test is repeated, not just the previous failure items. Other defects may now fail or move to advisory.

Can I take the retest at a different VTS?

Only the original VTS is bound by the 10 working day rule. Going elsewhere counts as a fresh test at the full fee. Stick with the same VTS unless you have a reason to switch.

What items qualify for a free same-day retest?

Bulbs, lamp lenses, wiper blades, mirrors, number plates, tyre pressures and seat belt re-securing where applicable. The full list is in MOT Inspection Manual Annex 6 on GOV.UK.

The 10 working day rule turns an MOT fail from a £100+ headache into a £27.43 fix when used correctly. Always run a free MOT history check and book the retest at the same VTS within the window.