How much does an MOT cost?
The MOT test fee is capped by law — but the test itself is rarely the expensive bit. Here's the maximum you can be charged, why prices vary, and how to keep the total down.
The legal maximum fee
DVSA sets a cap on what any test centre can charge for the MOT itself. For the most common vehicles it's:
- Cars (class 4) — up to £54.85.
- Motorcycles — up to £29.65.
These are maximums, not fixed prices. A garage can charge anything up to the cap, so it's common to see MOTs advertised well below £54.85 — sometimes as a loss-leader to get your car through the door.
Why the headline price isn't the whole story
A cheap test is only cheap if the car passes. If it fails, you're paying for repairs on top — and that's where the real money is. A garage offering a very low MOT price may be relying on finding work to do. Always think in terms of the total bill, not just the test fee.
Retests — often free
If your car fails and you have the repairs done at the same test centre, or bring it back within 10 working days for a partial retest, there's usually no extra test fee. It's worth confirming a garage's retest policy before you book, because it can make a real difference to the total.
How to keep the total cost down
- Fix last year's advisories before the test — check them free with our MOT checker.
- Have a quick pre-MOT check so small things (bulbs, wipers, tyres) don't cause a needless failure.
- Book in the early window — up to a month before expiry — so you have time to fix anything without losing days on your certificate.
- Keep on top of servicing; a well-maintained car simply fails less often.
As mobile mechanics we can do the pre-MOT check and any advisory repairs on your driveway, so you turn up to the test with a car that's ready to pass.
Common questions
How much is an MOT for a car?
The most a test centre can legally charge for a standard car (class 4) is £54.85. That maximum is set by DVSA and has been unchanged for years. Many garages charge less than the cap, often as a promotion.
Why do MOT prices vary between garages?
The £54.85 figure is a legal maximum, not a fixed price — so garages are free to charge less. Some use a low headline MOT price to bring cars in, then make their money on any repairs. What matters is the total cost, not just the test fee.
Is a retest free after repairs?
Usually, yes — if you leave the car at the same test centre for repairs and it's retested, or you bring it back within 10 working days for a partial retest, there's often no additional fee. Rules vary by garage, so confirm before you book.
How much does an MOT cost for a motorbike?
The legal maximum for a motorcycle MOT is £29.65. As with cars, that's a cap rather than a set price, so you may pay less.
How can I avoid paying for a failed MOT?
The test fee is the small part — repairs are the real cost. Fixing last year's advisories early, having a quick pre-MOT check, and booking your test in the early window all help you avoid paying twice for a failure.
Can I book my MOT early without losing time on the certificate?
Yes. You can have the test up to a month (minus a day) before your current MOT runs out and keep the same renewal date — so you lose nothing, and you get breathing room to fix anything that fails.
Avoid paying for a failed MOT
Pre-MOT checks and advisory repairs at your home or workplace across Gloucestershire — open 24/7, no callout fee within 5 miles. See our upfront pricing.
More: Our pricing · Most common MOT failures · Free MOT check