How much does an MOT cost?
Current maximum MOT fees set by DVSA, plus what affects the total cost.
Maximum MOT test fees (2025)
MOT fees are capped by law. Garages can charge less but not more than these amounts.
| Vehicle type | Maximum fee |
|---|---|
| Car (up to 8 passenger seats) | £54.85 |
| Motorcycle | £29.65 |
| Three-wheeled vehicles | £37.80 |
| Car with 9–12 passenger seats | £57.30 |
| Motorhome | £54.85 |
| Goods vehicle (3,000–3,500kg) | £58.60 |
| Ambulance or taxi | £54.85 |
Source: GOV.UK. Fees as of 2025.
What the MOT fee covers
The fee covers the test itself — a visual and mechanical inspection of safety-critical items (brakes, lights, suspension, tyres, emissions, steering, bodywork, seatbelts, exhaust). The test takes around 45–60 minutes.
The fee does not cover any repairs needed. If the car fails, you pay for the test plus the cost of fixing the issues, then a partial retest (free if done within 10 working days at the same station, or within 1 day if left at the station).
The real cost: repairs
The test itself is under £55 — the expensive part is what happens when it fails. Common repair costs:
| Common failure | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|
| Suspension bush/joint replacement | £150–£400 |
| Brake pads and discs | £150–£350 per axle |
| Tyre replacement (per tyre) | £50–£150 |
| Headlamp alignment | £20–£30 |
| Headlamp bulb replacement | £10–£50 |
| Exhaust repair/replacement | £100–£400 |
| Emissions system (catalytic converter) | £300–£1,000+ |
| Windscreen wiper blades | £15–£30 |
Before you buy a used car, check the model's common MOT failures on this site — if suspension is the top failure for a model, budget for it.
Tips to keep MOT costs down
- Check lights, wipers, and washers yourself before the test — cheap to fix at home
- Check tyre tread depth (minimum 1.6mm) and pressures
- Top up screen wash — an empty washer bottle is a fail
- Check the dashboard warning lights (engine, ABS, airbag must be off)
- If the car fails, ask for the free retest within 10 working days
- Many garages offer MOTs below the maximum fee — Halfords, National, ATS commonly charge £35–£45
When is your MOT due?
You can check your MOT expiry date for free on GOV.UK. You can get your MOT done up to one month before the expiry date without losing any days — the new certificate runs from the old expiry date.