Cost of a car MOT could be hiked as Government agrees to review £54.85 price cap

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Drivers could see the cost of an MOT test rise for the first time in 16 years as the Government bowed to garages calling for the current price cap to be reviewed.

The Independent Garage Association (IGA), which represents hundreds of vehicle maintenance and servicing businesses across the country, has been in 'sustained engagement' with roads minister Lilian Greenwood since the beginning of the year to stake its claim for hiking MOT prices. 

It argues that the £54.85 cap for the annual roadworthiness test is 'threatening the viability' of small garages who are facing rising operational costs.

On Thursday, the association confirmed that the Department for Transport (DfT) will now undertake a review of the MOT test fee and will 'consult with stakeholders later this year'.

If the cap is increased it will be the first time since April 2010. 

Many motorists will consider it another instance of Labour waging a 'war on motorists', having already hiked car tax and scrapped plans to limit the number of new Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the country.

Motorists could see the cost of an MOT test rise for the first time in 16 years after the DfT confirmed it will undertake a review of the £54.85 price cap to help support garages

Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, said: 'We are pleased that the Minister has recognised the invaluable contribution of independent garages and that the Department for Transport is now actively reviewing the MOT fee structure. 

'The current system places unsustainable pressure on businesses that are essential to maintaining road safety across the UK.'

The IGA says in increase in MOT income would help smaller garages that are already facing growing overheads from a combination of 'inflationary pressures' and rocketing vehicle parts prices. 

'This review represents a crucial opportunity to secure a fairer, more sustainable framework for MOT testing that reflects the real costs faced by garages,' it said. 

'We will continue to work closely with the Minister to ensure our members’ voices are heard and that this consultation leads to meaningful change.'

While MOTs are currently capped at £54.85 for cars, vans and motorhomes, the maximum charge for motorcycles is £29.65.

In a letter to MPs at the end of last year, the IGA said: 'Many independent garages operate in a highly competitive market. If the MOT fee remains unchanged, some will be forced to shift focus to other areas of their business to mitigate against rising costs.

'Such a move could have serious consequences for consumers, road safety and the wider economy.'

It also warned that failure to increase the cost of an MOT would hamper garages' progress in recruiting, training, and equipping a skilled workforce to handle the advanced technologies of today’s automotive sector.

If the cap is increased for the first time since April 2010, motorists will consider it another instance of Labour waging a 'war on motorists' 

Major MOT changes already in the pipeline 

The Government earlier this year refused to rule out making changes to the MOT test to include specific checks for electric cars and the growing catalogue of driver assistance safety technology installed in the latest models.

With the European Commission plotting to make wholesale changes to its 'periodic technical inspection' (PTI) procedure - the MOT-equivalent on the continent - could follow in its try tracks.

Among the changes it outlined includes: 'Adapting the PTI to electric vehicles and including new test elements for electronic safety systems through wider use of the electronic vehicle interface (including testing the software integrity of safety and emission-related systems).'

The latter is an increased focus on proving routine checks of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keeping assist. 

In response, the DfT told the Daily Mail and This is Money it will be reviewing the EC's proposals.

The Independent Garage Association has argued to ministers that the £54.85 MOT price cap is 'threatening the viability' of small businesses facing rising operational costs

New rules are already being trialled for the MOT test this year in a bid to tackle a growing scam that threatens to increase the number of dangerous vehicles being driven on Britain's roads.

'Ghost MOTs' - also referred to as 'Bluetooth MOTs' - is the practice of issuing a fraudulent certificate for a vehicle that has never been inspected and is likely not roadworthy.

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Experts believe they account for roughly four in five counterfeit MOTs.

In a frantic effort to block this illegal practice, the DVSA has introduced new rules designed to block unscrupulous garages, which includes requiring mechanics to take photographic proof of cars being checked.

This is currently being trialled in a smaller number of garages in 2025.

Chris Price, head of MOT policy, told us: 'As part of this ongoing trial, testers will be asked to upload an image in real time to demonstrate that the right vehicle was present at the time of the test.

'These changes could also help to reduce input errors during the point of testing by autofill.'