The DVSA has been urged to introduce a new MOT rule that would increase testing fees for Class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles, according to the Independent Garage Association (IGA). The IGA argues that the current fee cap has remained static for 16 years, making MOT testing economically unsustainable for independent garages.
Fee freeze since 2010
Class 4 vehicles, which include cars, motor caravans, private hire vehicles, ambulances, taxis, and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg, currently pay a maximum of £54.85 for an MOT test. This fee has not changed since 2010. The IGA says that over this period, garages have faced rising costs in labour, rent, equipment, fuel, energy, compliance, and administration, far outpacing inflation.
Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, stated: "Our members are advising us that the current situation, relating to the stagnant MOT fee cap, is leading to garages setting up their facilities to prioritise more profitable work, reducing the number of bays available for MOT testing and therefore reducing the national capacity."
Impact on consumer choice
The IGA warns that if MOT testing remains unprofitable, garages will continue to shift resources away from it, limiting consumer access to convenient and local test stations. James added: "We need to ensure that independent garages are able to prioritise the availability of workshop facilities and resources for this vital service. If the MOT does not remain economically viable for garages, this would have a significant impact on consumer choice with regards to accessibility, locality and convenience of available MOT test stations."
Recent fee increases for other vehicle classes
While Class 4 fees have been frozen, the DVSA has already approved increases for other vehicle types. From July 6, 2026, the maximum charges for Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) will rise to £90 for buses and coaches (up from £70), £70 for HGVs (up from £55), and £50 for trailers (up from £40). These changes highlight the disparity with Class 4, 5, and 7 vehicles, which remain capped.
The IGA, which represents independent garages across the UK, is calling on the Labour government to address the fee cap to ensure the long-term sustainability of the MOT testing network.
