The UK government is facing calls to increase the MOT fee cap for cars, motorhomes, and vans, as independent garages report significant financial pressures due to inflation and rising operational costs. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has written to senior officials at the Department for Transport and the Treasury, advocating for a review of the current fee, which has remained stagnant at £54.85 for class 4, 5, and 7 vehicles since 2010.

The IGA argues that cost pressures, including those related to labor, rent, equipment, energy, and compliance, have risen substantially over the past 16 years, making the current fee cap unsustainable for many independent repairers. These increased costs, they state, are a greater obstacle for vehicle repairers than inflation itself.

Recent announcements from the DVSA included fee increases for MOTs on buses, coaches, HGVs, and trailers, but did not address the cap for cars and light commercial vehicles. Garage members of the IGA report that the existing fee ceiling, coupled with the growing complexity of testing modern vehicles, is making MOT testing economically unviable.

Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, stated that some garages are beginning to prioritize more profitable work, reducing the number of available MOT testing bays and consequently decreasing national testing capacity. He emphasized the need to ensure MOT testing remains economically viable for independent garages to maintain service availability for consumers and preserve consumer choice in terms of accessibility and convenience.

Surveys indicate that a significant portion of garage owners believe an increase is necessary. A study by BookMyGarage found that 31% of garages suggested the fee should be between £60 and £65. Another 17% proposed a higher increase, between £66 and £70, with 14% believing the price should exceed £70. Despite these desires for an increase, data from Autocar in 2025 indicated that the average charge for an MOT was £45, nearly £10 below the current fee cap.

The Department for Transport had previously indicated to the IGA its expectation to consult with stakeholders on this matter in the latter part of 2025. MOT testing stations play a crucial role in road safety by ensuring that essential vehicle components like tires, brakes, lights, and emission systems are properly maintained.