How Much Does an MOT Test Cost in the UK?

Summary

• The maximum MOT fee is £54.85: This is set by the DVSA. No garage can charge more than this for a standard car MOT.
• Many garages charge £30–£45: Supermarket garages and fast-fit centres often offer cheaper rates.
• Free MOTs exist: Some garages offer free MOTs when you book a service. Check our ultimate MOT guide for more.

Every car over 3 years old needs an annual MOT. But the price you pay can vary a lot depending on where you go.

Here's a breakdown of MOT costs in the UK and how to get the best deal.

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Current MOT Prices

The government sets a maximum fee for MOT tests. As of 2026, the limits are:

Vehicle Type	Maximum Fee
Car (up to 8 passenger seats)	£54.85
Motorcycle	£29.65
Van (up to 3,000kg)	£54.85
Motorhome	£54.85

Most garages charge less than the maximum. It's common to find MOTs for £30–£45 at national chains.

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Where to Find Cheap MOTs

• Halfords Autocentre: Often runs MOT deals from £25–£35.
• Kwik Fit: Regular MOT promotions, sometimes as low as £20 with a voucher.
• National Tyres: Competitive pricing and online booking discounts.
• Local council MOT centres: Some councils run their own test centres at lower prices.
• Groupon and voucher sites: Search for MOT deals in your area. Savings of 50% or more are common.

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Free MOT Offers

Yes, you can get a free MOT. Here's how:

• Book a service: Many garages offer a free MOT when you book a full or interim service.
• Loyalty schemes: Some garage chains give a free MOT after your first paid one.
• New car deals: Some manufacturers include free MOTs for the first few years.

A free MOT saves you money, but make sure you're not overpaying for the service to get it. Compare total costs, not just the MOT price.

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What's Included in the MOT Fee

The MOT fee covers the test itself. That means a trained tester checks your car against a set list of safety and emissions standards.

The test covers:

• Lights and indicators
• Steering and suspension
• Brakes
• Tyres and wheels
• Windscreen, wipers, and washers
• Exhaust and emissions
• Seatbelts
• Bodywork and structure
• Horn
• Mirrors

The fee does NOT cover any repairs. If your car fails, you pay separately for the work needed to fix it.

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Extra Costs to Watch For

The MOT test itself is straightforward. But watch out for:

• Repair costs after a fail: The MOT finds the problems. You pay to fix them. Common repairs include bulbs (£5–£20), wiper blades (£10–£25), and brake pads (£80–£200).
• Retests: If your car fails and you get it fixed at the same garage, the partial retest is usually free within 10 working days. A full retest costs up to half the original fee.
• Upselling: Some garages push extra work during the MOT. If they suggest repairs, ask to see the failed items yourself before agreeing.

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When to Book Your MOT

You can book your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before it expires. This means you won't lose any time on your certificate.

For example, if your MOT expires on 15 March, you can book from 16 February. Your new certificate will still run until 15 March the following year.

Check when your MOT is due with our free MOT checker.

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Tips to Save Money on Your MOT

1. Do basic checks first: Replace blown bulbs and worn wipers before the test. This avoids a fail and retest fees.
2. Book online: Many garages offer online-only discounts.
3. Combine with a service: Bundle your MOT and service for the best overall price.
4. Avoid main dealers: Independent garages and fast-fit centres are usually cheaper.
5. Use voucher sites: Check Groupon, Wowcher, and similar sites for local deals.

For tips on avoiding MOT failures, see our guide on common MOT failures and how to avoid them.

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