Authorisation is what counts, not the workshop
Yes, you can take a vehicle to any garage that holds DVSA authorisation for its class, but the test station's approval is what matters, not whether the workshop also does servicing or repairs. Any individual person, persons in partnership or company may apply to DVSA via an application for MOT authorisation form (VT01) to become an authorised examiner, authorised to carry out MOT testing of specified vehicle classes.
Final authorisation to carry out MOT testing is granted only to applicants who can satisfy DVSA that they are of good repute and that their premises, equipment and personnel meet the required standards. A garage that repairs cars well has not met that test unless DVSA has authorised it.
Class and premises limits
Authorisation is narrow. An authorised examiner must not test a class of vehicle it is not approved to test. An authorised examiner must maintain the premises, facilities and testing equipment at each test station it is responsible for, and may only test the classes it is authorised for.
This means a station approved for cars and light vehicles may not be the right place for a trailer or HGV. Check the classes listed for each station before you travel.
Trailers, HGVs and buses use a different route
GOV.UK provides a separate finder for HGVs, buses and trailers. You can book the test at a private test centre, known as an 'authorised testing facility' (ATF). Depending on the centre, you can book by email, phone or on the centre's website. If you're in Scotland and there's no ATF near you, you can use a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test station.
Repairs elsewhere and the retest window
Where you have the repairs done can change what you pay for the retest. If the vehicle is left at the testing station for repair and is retested before the end of 10 working days following the day of the initial failure, then only a partial retest is needed for which no fee may be charged. That no-fee position also depends on the station still being under the same ownership, as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council explains.
If the car is taken away for repair, the position is different. If the vehicle is removed from the testing station for repair and returned for retest within 10 working days following the initial failure, then only a partial retest is needed and a partial retest fee may be charged. Only one partial re-examination is permissible per full examination.
Checklist before you book
- Search for the station by postcode, then confirm it is authorised for your vehicle class, including trailers and HGVs.
- Ask whether the station can do the repairs on site, which keeps the free retest route open.
- Note the date of any failure and count 10 working days from the day of the initial failure.
- Ask the station to confirm any retest fee in writing before you hand over the keys.
If you are comparing workshops close to home, you can look at MOT and repair garages in London or vehicle repair in Dartford before making contact.
Confirm any price with the company before you book.
