The price of an MOT test could be going up for the first time since 2010.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA), which represents garages across the UK, is meeting with Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood to argue that the £54.85 cap on MOTs is no longer sustainable.
They say small, independent garages are struggling with rising costs, including inflation and soaring parts prices, and need a price increase to stay in business.
This meeting comes just after Northern Ireland announced a consultation on making MOTs a biennial (every two years) requirement for some vehicles, in an attempt to clear a backlog of tests.
Why Are MOT Costs Under Pressure?
Right now, UK law caps the maximum charge for an MOT at £54.85 for cars, vans, and motorhomes, while motorcycle MOTs are capped at £29.65. However, garages can charge less if they want.
The IGA argues that the current cap isn’t enough to cover rising business costs, let alone invest in modern equipment and staff training for new car technologies.
Stuart James, the IGA’s chief executive, says the upcoming meeting would be "a crucial step in highlighting how the unchanged fee, coupled with inflationary pressures and additional costs outlined in the recent autumn budget, creates an unsustainable environment for many independent garage businesses".
He warns that without an increase, many garages could shift focus away from MOT testing, potentially impacting road safety.
What Else Is Hitting Drivers' Wallets in 2025?
An MOT price hike would come at a tough time for drivers, who are already facing increasing motoring costs:
- Car tax changes (April 2025) – Labour’s new tax rules will double showroom tax for new petrol and diesel cars, adding up to £2,745 to the most polluting models.
- EV owners hit with new charges – Electric cars worth over £40,000 will have to pay a £425 annual "expensive car supplement" for five years, plus a £195 Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) charge.
- Fuel prices on the rise – Petrol and diesel costs have increased for four consecutive months, with petrol now averaging 139p per litre and diesel at 145.7p.
- Car insurance relief – The one silver lining: insurance prices have dropped. Fully comprehensive cover now costs an average of £729, down from £950 last year.
Could MOT Rules Change?
Northern Ireland is considering making MOTs required every two years instead of annually for newer cars, arguing that modern vehicles are more reliable. The UK Government previously looked into a similar move in 2023 but scrapped the idea due to safety concerns.
With so many costs rising, drivers will be keeping a close eye on what happens next with MOT prices – and whether the government decides to step in.
