How much does an MOT cost?
The most a garage can charge for an MOT is fixed by law. Here is the cap for each vehicle type, and why you can often pay less.
How much is an MOT for a car?
The maximum an MOT test station can charge for a standard car (up to eight passenger seats) is £54.85. This is a legal ceiling set by the DVSA, not a fixed price, so many garages charge less to win your business. The fee for a motorcycle is capped at £29.65, and £57.30 for a three-wheeled car up to 450kg.
| Vehicle | Maximum MOT fee |
|---|---|
| Car (up to 8 passenger seats) | £54.85 |
| Motorcycle | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | £37.80 |
| Three-wheeled vehicle (up to 450kg) | £37.80 |
| Van / light goods vehicle (up to 3,000kg) | £58.60 |
Why do garages charge less than the maximum?
The figures above are the most a station may charge, not what it must. Garages compete on the MOT price and often discount it, sometimes to well under £40, in the hope of winning any repair work that follows. It is worth ringing round or checking for an online booking discount.
Do you pay again for a retest?
Not always. If your car fails and you leave it at the test station for repair, or bring it back within 10 working days, you can get a partial retest free. If you take the car away and return after 10 working days, or the retest covers items outside the free list, you may pay again, though usually a reduced fee.
What next
See what cars fail on most, so you can put it right before you pay for a test.
Sources: MOT test fees (maximum charges), gov.uk · Getting an MOT, gov.uk