The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is continuing its calls on the government to urgently review the current MOT price for class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles.
The current cost cap of £54.85 has now remained static for 16 years. This is despite the significant cost increases faced by workshops across the country during this time. The fee has remained steadfast despite the country seeing six different Prime Ministers, with a seventh incoming, and therefore many different iterations of cabinet, and policies.
With this in mind, the IGA has again written to senior officials at the Department for Transport as well as the Treasury to make the case for the urgent need to increase the current MOT price. This is following the Department for Transport communicating with the IGA their expectation to consult with stakeholders on this matter towards the latter part of 2025.
Current MOT price not suitable
Currently, the MOT price of £54.85 is a cap, with garages able to charge below, but not above this threshold. This has remained unchanged since 2010. In that time, costs have increased as a result of inflation alone.
Energy costs have almost doubled, while the cost of living crisis and changes to National Insurance also mean higher bills for garage owners. This is in addition to increasing rent, equipment, fuel, compliance and administrative costs.
This has seen average labour rates increase as a result. Yet in this time, the MOT price has not changed. It does remain lower than many workshops charge per hour for service, maintenance and repair work.
Whilst the DVSA has announced increases to MOT fees for busses, coaches, HGVs and trailers, the fees for class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles have not been included as part of these announcements.
IGA members continue to raise their concerns that the current MOT price is making testing work unsustainable given both the additional cost pressures and the growing complexities involved in testing modern vehicles.
Profits over testing
“Our members are advising us that the current situation, relating to the stagnant MOT price cap, is leading to garages setting up their facilities to prioritise more profitable work, reducing the number of bays available for MOT testing and therefore reducing the national capacity,” commented Stuart James, CEO of the Independent Garage Association.
“We need to ensure that independent garages are able to prioritise the availability of workshop facilities and resources for this vital service. If the MOT does not remain economically viable for garages, this would have a significant impact on consumer choice with regards to accessibility, locality and convenience of available MOT test stations.”
MOT test stations play a vital role in keeping people safe on our roads by ensuring safety critical vehicle components are properly maintained including tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, electrical equipment and emissions.
The MOT test is one of the cornerstones of the UK’s road safety success and has helped ensure that the UK has some of the safest roads across both Europe and the rest of the world.
The Independent Garage Association, therefore, continues to call on Government to review the current MOT price, which the IGA firmly believes should be significantly higher than the current £54.85.
