The answer to ‘Can I sign off an MOT re-test after new tyres have been fitted?’ is a definite no, regardless of how quickly the customer has returned, which tyre centre carried out the work, or how well you know the fitter, a proper re-test inspection is required every time. The vehicle must come to the bay, the re-test must be logged, and the tyres must be physically inspected before a pass result is recorded.
What a tyre re-test inspection must include
A glance at the tread from a distance is not sufficient. A proper tyre inspection as part of an MOT re-test must cover:
- Tyre size: correct for the vehicle and matching across axles
- Load index: meeting or exceeding the manufacturer’s requirements
- Speed rating: appropriate for the vehicle
- Tread depth: checked across the full width of the tyre
- Condition: including the sidewalls, not just the running surface
A tyre that looks fine at a glance can still fail on load rating, speed rating, or a sidewall defect that only becomes apparent on close inspection. The fact that a reputable fitter carried out the work does not remove the tester’s responsibility to verify it independently.
Find out more in the MOT Guide