Independent Garage Association secures a DfT meeting to demand a review of the unchanged MOT fee cap – find out why it's urgent.

Independent Garage Association gains a meeting with the Department for Transport

The Independent Garage Association (IGA), the UK's largest trade body for independent garages, has confirmed that the Department for Transport (DfT) will meet its chief executive, Stuart James, to discuss the long‑standing MOT fee cap. The association describes the forthcoming talks as a "significant breakthrough" in a campaign it says is a matter of urgency for the sector.

Why is the Independent Garage Association pushing for higher MOT fees?

What is prompting the call for a fee review?

Since 2010 the MOT fee for class 4 vehicles – the most common passenger cars – has been fixed at £54.85. The IGA argues that this cap has become unsustainable as independent garages face "additional cost pressures" and "growing complexities" in delivering the test.

Earlier in the year the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) announced fee increases for larger vehicle categories – buses, coaches, HGVs and trailers – while leaving the class 4, 5 and 7 caps untouched. The disparity has heightened concerns that the current rate no longer reflects the true cost of providing a safe, reliable service.

Independent garages and road‑safety

According to the IGA, independent garages play a critical role in offering locally accessible MOT testing. Maintaining a resilient network is essential not only for road safety but also for consumer choice and continued access to testing across the UK.

Key statements ahead of the DfT meeting

Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, said: "We welcome the opportunity to meet with government officials to discuss this vitally important issue for the independent garage sector. The MOT fee has been overlooked for far too long now, which undermines the financial viability of the MOT test."

He added that a sustainable testing network is "essential to road safety, consumer choice and continued access to MOT testing for motorists across the UK" and reiterated the association's position that the fee must be urgently reviewed.

Government response to industry concerns

The DfT has previously told Car Dealer Magazine that it is "committed to working closely with industry to listen to their concerns". A DfT spokesperson explained: "We understand the financial pressures faced by drivers and the industry surrounding them, including MOT centres, which is why we keep MOT fees constantly under review, working closely with industry to listen to their concerns."

The upcoming meeting therefore represents a direct dialogue between policymakers and the sector that delivers the majority of MOT tests in the country.

What could a fee change mean for motorists?

If the fee cap is adjusted, independent garages may see improved financial viability, potentially leading to better service levels and sustained local access to MOT testing. For drivers, a revised fee structure could reflect the true cost of maintaining road safety standards while keeping the service affordable.

While the exact outcome of the DfT talks remains to be seen, the IGA's push for a review highlights a growing tension between static pricing and rising operational costs within the automotive after‑sales market.

Why is the Independent Garage Association pushing for higher MOT fees?