The MOT system plays an essential role in UK road safety. It provides confidence that vehicles meet required standards and helps identify safety issues before they put people at risk. While the test is well known, the fee behind it has remained the same for a long time. That is now being reviewed by the Department for Transport.
The fee cap for MOTs has been in place since 2010. Standard car tests are capped at £54.85 and motorcycle tests at £29.65. As operational costs have risen, many independent garages have highlighted the challenge of delivering tests at narrow margins, particularly when maintaining high standards, trained staff and regulated equipment.
The review follows industry feedback. Independent garages form the foundation of MOT testing nationwide. Their concerns about long-standing capped fees and increasing overheads have been acknowledged. The core question being considered is how to maintain both affordability and the professional quality of inspection.
Feedback from industry bodies has focused on:
Supporting fair consumer pricing
Ensuring garages can operate sustainably
Preserving the UK’s respected MOT standards
While large chains sometimes use discounted MOTs to attract service bookings, smaller garages tend to have less pricing flexibility. Any future change is expected to take that into account.
There is no immediate change. The fee cap remains in place. If adjustments come later, they are expected to be proportionate and phased. Most commentary suggests the MOT will remain accessible while allowing test centres to continue delivering a reliable, professional safety service.
The annual test is a practical safeguard. It assesses important components such as brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, emissions and vehicle structure. It also helps to prevent more costly repairs by identifying issues early.
When viewed alongside rising everyday prices, a small future adjustment to reflect actual costs would reflect the value of specialist expertise and equipment involved.
This subject is evolving and is currently in consultation. Drivers should follow official updates and continue to book MOTs as normal. For confirmed policy details, the Government’s official resource remains the authority: https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot
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