The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) is urging the UK Government to introduce a mandatory minimum MOT fee of £54.85 as part of a comprehensive review of testing and roadworthiness requirements.
Representing a broad cross-section of the UK automotive aftermarket, including independent garages, national chains, motor factors, and parts suppliers, the federation warns that the current approach to MOT pricing is no longer sustainable and risks undermining the long-term viability of the UK’s vehicle testing infrastructure.
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With the maximum cost of a Class 4 MOT test currently capped at £54.85, the IAAF argues that widespread discounting and the use of the inspection as a loss leader have significantly devalued critical road safety checks.
The federation is proposing that the current maximum cap instead become the legally mandated minimum floor to ensure the true value of the inspection is recognised across the industry.
Vehicle testing stations are currently facing escalating operational costs in technician recruitment, training, equipment calibration, and regulatory compliance.
Workshops are also being forced to fund significant investments to prepare for future testing requirements linked to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicles, and emissions monitoring.
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IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field said: “The MOT remains one of the most important road safety checks carried out on UK vehicles.
“It is essential that the testing network is properly funded and that MOT inspections are valued appropriately.
“A mandatory minimum fee of £54.85 would be a sensible first step towards achieving this, while maintaining the current 3-1-1 MOT testing frequency to protect road safety standards.”
The IAAF has confirmed it will continue to engage with industry stakeholders and government departments to develop a sustainable framework that supports motorists, testing stations, and vehicle safety.
6 comments
Should be £100. Minimum.
It should automatically increase year-on-year.
Gas safety checks for landlords are around £75, take roughly 20 minutes, and require minimal equipment. An MOT test takes about an hour, involves significantly more equipment and higher overheads. On that basis, it’s hard to justify MOTs being priced lower. They should realistically be in the £80 to £100 range.
If they do a mandatory fee of £54.85, that is where it will stay for next 16 years!
The MOT fee has not changed for 16 years I believe, when we first started carrying out MOT tests the training was free, now we have to pay for training as well. I doubt whoever decides on the MOT fee has not had a wage rise for 16 years !!!! The MOT fee needs to rise substantially now.
We pay more for a TV licence to watch a TV than a safety check on a motor vehicle , I think the price should be fixed and should be £70 ish . But must go up annually rather than get into this situation where the test is undervalued but is so important for road safety and our environment.