Campaigners and garage owners are pressing ministers to lift MOT fees that have not budged for years, warning that continuing price freezes threaten testing capacity and could reshape where drivers take their cars for checks.
Why the MOT price debate has reignited
The Independent Garage Association says the current cap on MOT charges no longer reflects reality. Rising overheads, labour and equipment costs have squeezed margins.
Garages report they can no longer make MOT testing economically viable.
Industry leaders say this pushes repair shops to focus on more lucrative work. That, in turn, reduces the number of bays devoted to MOTs.
Which vehicle groups are under the microscope for price hikes
Campaigners want a review of fees for several vehicle classes. The call targets the categories that cover most private and small commercial vehicles.
- Class 4: cars, motor caravans, private hire vehicles, ambulances, taxis and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg. Current cap: £54.85.
- Class 5: larger passenger vehicles — under discussion for review.
- Class 7: heavier goods vehicles and other larger categories — also flagged by industry groups.
How reduced MOT capacity is playing out now
Garages have shifted resources away from routine tests. That has lowered national testing capacity in some areas.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency recorded 35.2 million MOTs in 2024–25. That was up slightly from 34.7 million the previous year.
Failure rates fell too, from 22.73% to 22.44%. Industry experts say those figures mask pressures behind the scenes.
Voices from the sector
Stuart James, chief executive of the Independent Garage Association, says members are increasingly frustrated. He warns fewer testing bays and stretched resources could affect local access to MOT services.
Government adjustments already planned for heavy vehicles
Ministers have approved new maximum service charges for larger vehicles after a consultation of authorised testing facilities.
- HGVs: new cap £70 from 6 July 2026 (previously £55).
- Trailers: new cap £50 (previously £40).
- Buses and coaches: new cap £90 (previously £70).
The consultation showed strong support from authorised testing facilities. About 99% backed raising the maximum service charge for those vehicle types.
What motorists and garages might see next
If fees for Classes 4, 5 and 7 rise, drivers could face higher bills for annual tests. Garages say higher caps would let them maintain or expand MOT capacity.
Possible impacts include:
- More MOT appointment slots at independent workshops.
- Potentially higher prices for drivers in some areas.
- Improved ability for garages to invest in equipment and staffing.
Policymakers will weigh road safety, consumer costs and garage viability as they consider any change.
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