The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has intensified pressure on government to review the statutory MOT fee cap for class 4, 5, and 7 vehicles, which has remained unchanged for 16 years despite spiraling operational costs.
In a renewed push, the IGA has written to senior officials at the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Treasury to lay out the critical economic reality facing independent workshops. This follows a previous communication from the DfT indicating an expectation to consult with industry stakeholders on the matter towards the latter part of 2025.
The current MOT fee cap for class 4 vehicles has been frozen at £54.85 since 2010. While the impact of inflation alone over the last decade and a half is well-documented, independent garages are facing compounding cost pressures that extend far beyond standard inflation indices.
According to industry data, independent workshops continue to absorb severe overhead hikes across labour, rent, equipment, fuel, energy, compliance and administrative costs.
Related: IAAF calls for mandatory minimum £54.85 MOT fee
The disparity in government policy was highlighted this week when the DVSA announced fee increases for buses, coaches, HGVs, and trailers. Shockingly, class 4, 5, and 7 vehicles, were entirely excluded from these adjustments, leaving the independent sector sidelined.
IGA members say that the prolonged fee freeze is rapidly making MOT testing commercially unsustainable.
Testing modern, technology-laden vehicles brings unprecedented complexity, requiring longer diagnostic times and more expensive workshop infrastructure.
MOT fee debate: Is a £54.85 minimum fee enough?
Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, warned that the current cap is forcing garage owners to make difficult business decisions that could directly impact motorists: “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.
“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.”
Why it Matters
MOT testing stations are central to maintaining the UK’s position as a world leader in road safety. The IGA emphasises that the MOT test remains one of the cornerstones of the UK’s road safety success. To protect consumer choice, local convenience, and road safety, the association firmly believes the current fee must be revised to a figure significantly higher than £54.85 to reflect the modern cost of doing business.
