MOT Basics

How much does an MOT cost in the UK?

Q: How much does an MOT cost in the UK?

The maximum fee for a car MOT in the UK is set by the government at £54.85. Many garages charge less — prices typically range from £25 to £55 depending on where you book. The maximum fee applies to Class 4 vehicles, which covers most standard cars.

The government sets a maximum MOT fee — but many garages charge less. Here's what you can expect to pay and how to avoid overpaying.

The maximum MOT fee for a car

The DVSA sets a legal maximum fee that garages are not allowed to exceed. For a standard car (Class 4), that cap is currently £54.85. Garages can charge anything up to this limit — and many charge considerably less, particularly if you book online or in advance.

Maximum MOT fee — Class 4 car

£54.85

Set by the DVSA. No garage can legally charge more than this for a standard car MOT.

MOT fees by vehicle class

The maximum fee varies depending on what type of vehicle you're getting tested. Cars fall under Class 4, which covers most standard passenger vehicles up to 8 seats.

Vehicle type	Class	Max fee
Cars up to 8 seats, small vans	Class 4	£54.85
Larger vans, minibuses up to 12 seats	Class 5	£57.30
Motorcycles (with or without sidecar)	Class 1 / 2	£29.65
3-wheeled vehicles	Class 3	£37.80

What affects the actual price you pay?

While the cap keeps prices from going sky-high, a few factors influence what individual garages charge within that limit.

Location — Garages in cities and commuter areas often price closer to the maximum, while rural or independent garages tend to be cheaper.

Booking method — Many national chains (Kwik Fit, Halfords Autocentre, etc.) offer discounted MOTs when booked online, sometimes as low as £25–£30.

Time of year — Garages are busier in spring and early summer when many MOTs fall due. Off-peak bookings can be cheaper.

Combined services — Booking an MOT alongside a service may come with a reduced MOT price as an incentive.

Note: The MOT fee only covers the test itself. If your car fails and needs repairs, those are charged separately. Always get a quote for any remedial work before agreeing to it.

Can I get a free MOT?

Occasionally, but it's rare outside of promotional offers. Some dealerships include a free MOT as part of a vehicle service package, and a small number of garages run limited-time promotions. It's worth checking comparison sites like BookMyGarage or MyCarNeedsA when your MOT is due.

When is your MOT due?

Check your expiry date for free — no account needed.

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