An MOT is a yearly expense which almost every driver will have to budget for.
In this article, we are going to outline the costs and expenses that are related to getting your MOT, and what you can do to save money on your MOT.
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How Much Does an MOT Cost?
In the table below, you can see the maximum MOT fee for each type of vehicle.
| Type of Vehicle | MOT Class | Maximum MOT Fee |
| Motorcycle with sidecar, engine size up to 200cc | 1 | £37.80 |
| Motorcycle without sidecar, engine size up to 200cc | 1 | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar, engine size over 200cc | 2 | £37.80 |
| Motorcycle without sidecar, engine size over 200cc | 2 | £29.65 |
| 3-wheeled vehicle, up to 450kg unladen weight | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicle, over 450kg unladen weight | 4 | £54.85 |
| Car with up to 8 passenger seats | 4 | £54.85 |
| Caravan/Motorhome | 4 | £54.85 |
| Quadbike, up to 400kg max unladen weight | 4 | £54.85 |
| Dual purpose vehicle | 4 | £54.85 |
| Private hire/public service vehicle with up to 8 seats | 4 | £54.85 |
| Ambulance | 4 | £54.85 |
| Taxi | 4 | £54.85 |
| Private passenger vehicle/ambulance with 9-12 passenger seats | 4 | £57.30 |
| Goods vehicle, up to 3,000kg gross weight | 4 | £54.85 |
| 9-12 passenger seat Class 4 vehicle with a seatbelt installation check | 4a | £64 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances, with 13+ seats | 5 | £59.55 |
| Play bus | 5 | £80.50 |
| 13+ seat passenger Class 5 vehicle with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | £80.50 |
| Goods vehicle, 3,000-3,500kg gross weight | 7 | £58.60 |
These MOT prices are set in the UK by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The maximum cost of an MOT for a car is £54.85. A standard motorcycle will cost a maximum of £29.65.
Please know that you do not need to pay VAT on the MOT fee.
Is an MOT a Fixed Price?
MOT charges are based on the type of vehicle you own.
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has set a price cap, meaning there is a maximum MOT fee which garages and test centres can charge for MOTs.
The legal maximum MOT charge is £54.85, so you should never expect to pay more than this for an MOT.
At the same time, be wary of incredibly cheap MOT prices.
Unfortunately, some garages may attempt to lure you in with a £10 MOT, just to overcharge you for expensive and sometimes unnecessary repairs.
Always do your research when looking for a discount on your MOT. You can read honest reviews from real customers on our website to help you decide which garage is the best for you.
How Much Is an MOT Retest?
As the maximum UK MOT cost is £54.85, the most you can be charged for a partial retest is £27.45.
The MOT retest fee will vary depending on the circumstances of your second test.
If you leave your car at the original garage, you will get a free MOT retest.
If your vehicle fails its MOT, then you will have a 10 day window for repairs and retests to be carried out.
Whilst there is no additional MOT test fee if your vehicle stays at the test centre to be repaired and retested within the 10 day deadline, you may need to pay more if you drive your car away and then return it at a later date.
If you drive the car to a different garage for the repairs, and then back to the original garage for the retest, you will be charged a reduced price – legally, the maximum cost is half of the original MOT fee.
Many garages will charge you less for a ‘partial’ retest.
In any other situation – like leaving it longer than 10 days or taking your car to a different garage – you will have to pay for a full MOT again.
You may incur other additional costs if your vehicle needs certain repairs following an MOT.
A blown or faulty bulb can cost as little as £5 to replace. Meanwhile, a tyre replacement can cost anywhere from £60 to £200 per tyre.
You could be fined £1000 if you do not return your vehicle for a retest, and this fine could be even more costly if the vehicle has serious faults.
How Much Does an MOT and Service Cost?
Booking your car service at the same time as your MOT can be a convenient and effective way to ensure your vehicle is functioning as efficiently as possible.
Whether you opt for a full, interim or major service, regular car servicing can be beneficial in several ways:
- It can make your car more efficient
- It can lower your car’s running costs
- It can increase your vehicle’s worth
- It can further your car’s lifespan
For all these reasons and more, booking a service with your MOT is a great idea.
Many garages offer discounts when you book a car service at the same time as your MOT – saving you money on the day, and in the long run.
Car service costs can vary depending on which vehicle you drive.
If you choose to book an MOT and full service, this may cost you around £200 to £225.
Many of our garages also offer a pre-MOT check for as little as £10 alongside an MOT, giving you the best chance of passing the test.
