Legal Maximum MOT Cost for Cars (Class 4) - 2026
£54.85
Garages cannot legally charge more than this maximum price cap. Many local stations charge less.
Official Maximum MOT Fee Schedule
The DVSA sets a strict legal limit on what test centres can charge for an MOT. The maximum fee depends entirely on the vehicle class:
| Vehicle Type / Class | Maximum Official Fee |
|---|---|
| Cars & Motor Caravans (up to 8 seats) | £54.85 |
| Motorcycles (Class 1 - up to 200cc) | £29.65 |
| Motorcycles (Class 2 - over 200cc) | £37.80 |
| Light Commercial Vans (up to 3,000kg) | £54.85 |
| Commercial Vans (3,000kg to 3,500kg) | £58.60 |
Average Market Rates and Finding Cheap MOTs
While £54.85 is the maximum cap, the highly competitive UK garage market means few people pay the full amount. Average MOT prices range between £30 and £45.
Here are the best ways to reduce your MOT test costs:
- Book with a Service: Many national and local garages offer discounted MOTs (sometimes as low as £15-£25) when booked alongside a full or interim mechanical service.
- Look for Online Bookings: Major motoring networks routinely offer online booking discounts compared to walk-in rates.
- Council MOT Stations: Local municipal councils run their own commercial testing centres. Because they do not perform vehicle repairs, they have no incentive to fail your car, leading to fairer testing.