Drivers may soon pay more for their MOT as the Government agrees to review the current price cap for the first time in 16 years.
The Department for Transport (DfT) will reassess the £54.85 maximum fee for cars, vans and motorhomes, following sustained pressure from the Independent Garage Association (IGA). The IGA argues that the long-standing cap is no longer sustainable for small garages, which are being hit by rising costs, including inflation and increasing parts prices.
A consultation with industry stakeholders is expected later this year.
If the cap is raised, it will be the first increase since April 2010.
Some drivers may see this as another example of added financial pressure on motorists, after recent changes such as higher car tax and policy shifts around Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, said: “We are pleased that the Minister has recognised the invaluable contribution of independent garages. The current system places unsustainable pressure on businesses essential to maintaining road safety.”
The association says increasing MOT income would help smaller garages stay viable and continue investing in skilled staff and equipment needed to service modern vehicles.
Motorcycle MOTs are currently capped at £29.65.
In a letter to MPs last year, the IGA warned that without an increase, some garages may reduce their focus on MOT testing altogether, which could affect road safety and limit consumer choice. It also said stagnant fees could stall recruitment and training in advanced vehicle technologies.
Wider MOT changes could be on the way
Earlier this year, the Government did not rule out updating MOT tests to reflect the rise in electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
With the European Commission preparing to overhaul its own periodic technical inspection (PTI) rules, the UK could follow suit by adding new checks for EVs, electronic safety systems and software integrity.
Crackdown on ‘Ghost MOTs’
The DVSA is also tackling ‘Ghost MOTs’ – fraudulent certificates issued for vehicles that have not been tested. Experts believe these may account for as many as four in five counterfeit MOTs.
To combat this, a trial is underway in selected garages requiring testers to upload photographic proof of the vehicle during inspection. The DVSA says this could also reduce errors by enabling autofill during testing.
Chris Price, head of MOT policy, said: “As part of this ongoing trial, testers will be asked to upload an image in real time to show the vehicle was present at the time of the test.”
