The 6 month compliance test
Booking a 6 month compliance test
After passing the initial test, your vehicle will need a further compliance test within the following 6 months. You can book a test through the online booking system.
You will not receive a reminder when this test is due. To find out when your test is due based on your licence issue date, you can refer to our guide to taxi test due dates.
Failure to book your vehicle in for the 6 month test will result in the suspension of your vehicle once it reaches the 6 month anniversary of the licence. You must take into account any weekends or bank holidays when calculating your due dates. If the due date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, you must make sure that the vehicle has passed the test before that time. We advise you to book your vehicle tests in advance of the due dates to give you time to address any issues.
If your vehicle passes the test
If your vehicle passes the test, the test centre will let us know. You do not need to take any further action.
If your vehicle fails the test
If your vehicle fails the test, the test report will tell you:
- which type of retest you have to to book
- the retest requirements
Retest requirements
The table below gives details of what type of retest is required for each failure type, plus the time and mileage requirements.
| Failure | Restrictions on retest | Retest type | Failure to return vehicle for retest within the specified time or mileage, or as directed by the examiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less minor MOT items. | The vehicle must be presented for retest within 10 working days of the original test. | Free retest | Suspension of vehicle (if it has not already been suspended) by Taxi Licensing Enforcement Officer. You must return your plates to Taxi Licensing. The vehicle must then pass the full test within 2 months or the licence will be automatically revoked. |
| 4 or less supplementary items from section B of the report. | The vehicle must be presented for retest within 10 working days of the original test. | Free retest | Suspension of vehicle, as above, and full retest within 2 months or the licence will be automatically revoked. |
| 3 or more minor MOT items, OR 5 or more supplementary items from section B of Report, OR 2 or less non-minor MOT items from section A of the Report (in addition to any minor MOT items from section A or supplementary items from section B). | The vehicle must be presented for retest within 3 working days of the original test and must not have travelled more than 300 miles since the original test. OR, if the vehicle has not been presented for test within 3 working days or 300 miles of the original test, it must be presented for retest within 10 working days of the original test. | Partial retest, OR full retest if not presented for test within 3 working days or 300 miles of the original test (see previous column). | A full retest will be required within 10 working days, OR if not presented for test within 10 working days of the original test, your vehicle will be suspended and you must return your plates to Taxi Licensing. The vehicle must then pass the full test within 2 months or the licence will be automatically revoked. |
| All other failures. | The vehicle must be presented for retest within 10 working days of the original test. | Full retest | Suspension of vehicle, as above, and full retest within 2 months or the licence will be automatically revoked. |
Minor MOT items
The following may be listed as minor MOT items in section A of the test report:
- hazard warning lamps
- direction indicators
- seats (security)
- boot lid
- tail board
- tailgate
- sharp edges or projections on bodywork
- vehicle identification number (VIN)
- registration plate
- fuel filler cap
- windscreen wipers or washers
- rear reflectors
- lamps (excluding headlamp aim)
- seatbelts (not anchorages)
- door
- drop sides
- loading door
- horn
- brake pedal anti-slip rubber
- steering wheel
- mirrors
- tyres
Booking a retest
You can book a retest using the online booking system.
If you're struggling to use the online system, there are computers available in Fred Perry House reception and staff who can help you. There are also computers available to use in all local libraries.