Experts are calling on the Government to hike the cost of MOT tests for drivers ahead of new changes that will see the maximum service charge increase in the near future.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has reiterated its calls for the Government to review the current MOT fee for certain vehicles.
It has been suggested that Class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles should be hiked, given that costs have remained static for 16 years, despite other costs increasing in that time.
Class 4 vehicles currently pay £54.85 and include cars, motor caravans, private hire vehicles, ambulances, taxis, and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg.
This price has remained the same since 2010, with the IGA highlighting how it has not kept pace with inflation, nor the cost of living crisis, making it more expensive for garages.
During this time, independent garages have incurred huge costs relating to labour, rent, equipment, fuel, energy, compliance and administrative costs.
Members of the IGA continue to raise concerns that the current fees attributed to MOT tests are “unsustainable”.
It stated that this was down to rising prices, as well as the growing complexities involved in testing modern vehicles with more moving parts.
Stuart James, CEO of the Independent Garage Association, said members of the IGA had complained about the current situation and the “stagnant” MOT fee cap.
He warned that this has led to garages setting up facilities to prioritise more profitable work, which can have a knock-on effect for other facets of vehicle safety.
As a result, garages are reducing the number of bays available for MOT testing, thus reducing the national capacity for tests.
Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) showed that 35.2 million MOT tests were completed between 2024 and 2025.
This was a slight increase compared to 2024, when 34.7 million tests took place, with failure rates also falling from 22.73 per cent to 22.44 per cent.
Mr James added: “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.”
He acknowledged the importance of MOT test stations keeping people safe on roads to ensure that millions of vehicles on roads remain safe.
The calls come just days after the Government announced new measures for heavy goods vehicles, buses, coaches and trailers.
From July 6, 2026, the maximum service charge will rise to £70 for HGVs, £50 for trailers and £90 for buses and coaches.
These changes have been made following a consultation last year, which found that 99 per cent of authorised testing facilities (ATFs) were supportive of increasing the maximum service charge.
The price hikes will see prices rise from current levels of £55 for HGVs, £40 for trailers and £70 for buses and coaches.
