The price of a car MOT test could almost double to £95 under recommendations being put forward to the Government. The maximum price a garage can legally charge for a standard car MOT test in the UK is £54.85. This cap has been in place since 2010.
But a trade body representing vehicle garages across the country is calling for this to be raised to £95 — an increase of 73%. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) says the current price has not kept up with inflation and argues that garages are facing higher costs from labour, rent, equipment, fuel and energy.
Inflation and Industry Pressure
A Bank of England calculator suggests the price of an MOT would be £87.54 today in line with inflation. The IGA and other industry bodies are set to meet with the Department for Transport (DfT) on October 21 where it will discuss raising the MOT price cap.
Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, said: “It is a fact that the current MOT fee has remained static for 16 years. We are being advised by garage owners that without a significant increase to the MOT fee, they cannot continue to sustain this ever-increasing cost burden.”
Government Response and MOT Background
James added: “As the representative body for the independent garage sector, the IGA will continue to challenge the Government to deliver an acceptable resolution to this issue before it causes a level of consumer detriment.”
A DfT spokesperson said: “We have no current plans to increase the MOT fee, but keep it under constant review, working with the DVSA and the sector to balance affordability for motorists with the financial sustainability of garages.”
Earlier this year, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) increased the MOT fees for HGVs and coaches, but cars were not included as part of this.
Mandatory Testing and Penalties
An MOT is an annual test which checks key components of your car, such as brakes, lights, tyres, steering, and suspension, to ensure your vehicle meets the required safety standards. It is mandatory for any vehicle that is more than three years old and over 32 million vehicles are tested every year. Drivers who do not have a valid MOT certificate can be fined up to £1,000.
You can check if a car has a valid vehicle MOT by using a free online government checker. This also highlights previous MOT test results and any advisories that were issued.
