M.O.T failed again

[djgordyp]

Hi. I had an mot test on the 5th April and failed due to the rear nearside tyre being below the legal limit (I should have seen this myself). I applied for the retest and got 14th april (needed this date so I could get my car taxed). Unfortunatly I couldn't make this because firstly I couldn't get the time off work and secondly I couldn't get anyone to take the car for me.

I had my retest tonight but had a fail, this time it was for the offside rear tyre. Needles to say I am furious. I always thought that they could only test what is on the list. So far I have shelled out £30.50 for the test £18.50 for the retest that I couldn't take. They wouldn't even let me bring the car in that evening (two minute job or less to check the tyre) when I phoned the test centre to explain the situation. And now I am going to have to shell out another £18.50 + a new tyre. I have done no more than 300 miles since the original test so I assume the tyre must have been borderline at the test and I would have thought any have decent examiner would have pointed that out.
I have just realised what many people have known for years. MOT stands for Money On Tap. You should have heard what my brother in law said about them and he used to know a couple of the examiners there.

Is there anything I can do about this at all because I still have to pay for the tax as well.
My stress levels are about to go through the roof.

[Rooster-UK]

It's a bummer, isn't it?

Excerpt.......

3.2 If a vehicle fails the initial MOT test, it must be repaired and pass a retest if it is to be legally used on a road. Currently, all vehicles which fail an initial MOT must have another full MOT test for which a full fee may be charged. A partial retest of just the defective components will only be undertaken in cases where the vehicle remains with the garage that failed it or if the vehicle failed the initial test on certain, prescribed, minor items and is taken back to the same MOT garage to be retested within 24 hours of the initial test. In these cases, the partial retest would be undertaken free of charge.
3.3 The new procedures will allow garages to carry out a retest on the vehicle components that failed the initial test and to charge a partial fee for this service. The retest procedures are as follows:
i)

No fee will be charged if the vehicle stays at the test station where it failed the MOT, so that it can be repaired and a re-examination is carried out before the end of the 10th working day after the day of the initial test. If the retest is carried out after 10 working days, the fee to be charged will be as point (v) below.
ii) No fee will be charged for the re-examination of a vehicle brought back to the same testing station by the end of the next working day following the day of the failed initial test, on one or more of the following items only:
Boot lid, bonnet, brake pedal anti-slip, doors, dropsides, fuel filler cap, horn, loading door, mirrors, all lamps, rear reflectors, registration plates, seat belts (but not anchorages), seats, sharp edges or projections, steering wheel, tailboard, tailgate, vehicle identification number (VIN), windscreen, windscreen wipers/washers, wheels* & tyres* -

*not applicable to class 1(motorcyles up to 200cc) & 2 (all other motorcycles)

iii) If the vehicle does not qualify for a retest, as listed at point 2 above, and is brought back to the same testing station by the end of the 10th working day after the day of initial test for a retest - then a partial re-examination is required.

A maximum of 1/2 the full fee may be charged.

Full text here.....
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/em2006/uksiem_20061998_en.pdf

Regards, Rooster.

[djgordyp]

Does this apply to Northern Ireland as well.

[buzby]

I believe the T&C's are complete different - but with basic similarities for the NI centres, so be wary of 'gotchas'!

[djgordyp]

I heard from a workmate today that in fact they can do a full test again if they wish. I thought they could only check what was on the list.
Too late now anyway to put Roosters post to the test. All the tyre depots are closed by the time I got home from work. So I guess I'll just have to buy four new tyres. Luckily I don't do big mileage because it'll have to be the cheapest I can get and they are usually rubbish. Thanks for the info anyway. An expensive lesson learnt.