Should MOT Prices Rise for Cars? Independent Garage Association Urges Immediate Action
Why are MOT fees for cars still frozen? IGA presses government for urgent price rises to protect independent garages.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has urged the UK government to raise MOT test fees for cars and vans ‘as a matter of urgency’ amid mounting cost pressures on independent garages.
Current MOT fee cap for car and van classes
The fee cap for MOT tests on class 4 vehicles – the category that includes most private cars and light vans – has not changed since 2010 and remains at £54.85. While the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently announced higher fees for buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and trailers, the same uplift has not been applied to the majority of road‑users.
IGA’s urgent request for a price rise
Representing the largest network of independent garages in the UK, the IGA has written to senior officials at the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Treasury. The association argues that the static MOT fee cap is now ‘unsustainable’ due to “additional cost pressures” and “growing complexities” faced by garages.
CEO Stuart James explained: “Our members tell us that the stagnant MOT fee is forcing garages to prioritise more profitable work, reducing the number of bays available for MOT testing and consequently shrinking national capacity.”
Why class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles are crucial
Class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles account for the bulk of MOT demand across the country. The IGA contends that excluding these groups from the recent fee increases creates a pricing imbalance that disadvantages independent workshops compared with larger test centres that handle buses and HGVs.
Potential impact on independent garages and consumers
If MOT testing remains financially unviable for independent garages, the IGA warns there could be a “significant impact on consumer choice” – fewer local test stations, longer travel distances and reduced convenience for motorists.
James added: “We need to ensure independent garages can keep workshop facilities available for this vital service. A decline in MOT capacity would limit accessibility, locality and convenience for drivers across the UK.”
Government’s view
A Department for Transport spokesperson told Car Dealer Magazine: “We understand the financial pressures faced by drivers and the industry, including MOT centres, which is why we keep MOT fees under constant review, working closely with industry to listen to their concerns.”
DealerPricing.co.uk has contacted the Treasury for further comment.
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The original story appeared on Car Dealer Magazine.