MOT Costs Explained
Test fees by vehicle type, regional pricing, and everything you need to know about free retests.
MOT Fees by Vehicle Type
The DVSA sets maximum legal fees. Garages cannot charge more — but many charge less.
| Vehicle Type | Max Legal Fee | Typical Garage Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | £54.85 | £30–45 | Most common — used by 35M UK drivers |
| Motorcycle / Sidecar | £29.65 | £20–30 | Lower fee set by DVSA |
| Motorhome | £54.85 | £45–55 | Same max as car; specialist testers |
| Van / Light Commercial (up to 3,000kg) | £58.60 | £45–55 | Slightly higher max due to complexity |
Source: DVSA — fees correct as of March 2026. Subject to change.
Regional Pricing Differences
London
£45–55
Higher overheads, premium garages
South East
£38–48
Slightly above national average
Midlands
£30–42
Good value, competitive market
North of England
£28–40
Often cheapest on comparison sites
Scotland & Wales
£30–44
Variable — rural areas can be higher
Northern Ireland
£32–44
Similar to UK average
Why Do Garages Charge Less Than the Maximum?
The MOT test itself is a low-margin service. Garages use competitive pricing — often £30–40 for a car — as a way to get vehicles through the door. The real business is the repair work discovered during the test.
This creates a conflict of interest worth knowing about: a garage that charges £25 for an MOT and finds £300 of "necessary" repairs may not be giving you the same outcome as a garage charging £45 that passes your car.
Tip: Use a comparison site to find a cheap test, but have repairs done by a trusted independent mechanic you already know.
When Do You Get a Free Retest?
Free partial retest
If your car fails and you return to the same garage within 10 working days, minor items can be rechecked for free. Only the failed items are re-examined.
Full retest fee applies
If you go to a different garage or return after 10 working days, you pay the full MOT fee again (up to £54.85). Always confirm the retest policy upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MOT cost?
The maximum legal fee for a car MOT is £54.85. Most garages charge less — typically £30–£45 outside London, and £45–£55 in London. Motorcycles have a lower maximum of £29.65.
Why do some garages charge less than the maximum?
Garages use MOT tests as a loss leader — a cheap test gets your car in the door. They make profit from the repairs they find. This is why it pays to compare prices and use a garage you already trust.
Do I get a free retest if my car fails?
Yes, if your car fails and is retested at the same garage within 10 working days, the partial retest is usually free for minor failures. A full retest costs up to £54.85.
When can a 3-year-old car have its first MOT?
Cars must have their first MOT when they turn 3 years old (from the date of first registration). The anniversary date is shown on the V5C logbook.