CAR MOT

The test known as an MOT, is the annual test your vehicle must have if it’s over three years old. It ensures the car, van or motorcycle is roadworthy to keep you safe on the road.
During the MOT, the mechanic will check features such as the brakes, suspension, steering and exhaust emissions.
Common MOT failure include faulty lights, tyre condition or pressure, and mirror and windscreen wiper repairs. To help your vehicle pass its MOT first time, ensure you carry out regular maintenance or take it for a full-service check before the MOT.
This guide will look at the basic costs of an MOT in the UK.

What is the average cost of an MOT test fee?

Vehicle typeMaximum fee
Car£54.85
Standard motorcycle£29.65
Van (up to 3,500kg)£58.60

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency set the MOT price. The exact MOT cost depends on the vehicle you drive.
The maximum cost of the MOT for a car is legally is £54.85, and VAT is not payable on the MOT test. The max price for an MOT on a motorcycle both up to 200cc and over 200cc is £29.65, and the max cost for an MOT for vans up to 3,500kg is £58.60.
There is a comprehensive list of vehicles with the maximum MOT costs on the GOV.UK website.

What is the average MOT retest fee?

Car MOT passed
If your vehicle fails an MOT, it needs to be retested.
The average MOT retest cost depends on where you leave the vehicle. There is no additional MOT fee if your vehicle stays at the test centre to be repaired and retested within the ten-day test deadline. If you drive your car away from the test centre, return it for repair and then retest, you will have to pay a portion of the MOT price on top of the original test fee.

How long does the MOT test take?

On average, the MOT test takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Your car may need to stay for longer if work needs to be completed.

What is the average MOT retest time length?

If your vehicle fails an MOT, you will have a ten day time limit for repairs and the retest to be carried out.

What are typical fines you can get from an MOT?

If you don't take your vehicle for its MOT or if you don't return it for a retest, you risk a staggering £1,000 fine. If your vehicle has major faults, the fine can be upto £2,000.
Things to be aware of when cheap MOT's are offered with the option of free delivery
Garages make profits from labour costs and parts. When garages offer a cheap MOT fee’s of around £25 with the collection and delivery of your vehicle included, it immediately puts their business at a loss. Booking what seems to be a good deal means you could risk having to pay a high price for repairs that may or may not be necessary, not always but the business case specifies, cheap unrealistic MOT prices, need other things to be found wrong, to ensure a profit on any vehicle. The garage could be recouping its losses by charging you more money, and stating things requiring fixed when they don’t need to be.
When using a Book my MOT and service registered garage, you can be safe in the knowledge that each business has been vetted and checked. You have peace of mind that you are receiving an honest and professional assessment of your vehicle for its MOT. You can also be confident in the knowledge that any repairs needed are fairly priced and completed to a high quality, professional standard.
A Book my MOT and service registered garage will not take advantage of an MOT failure to makeup for lost profits from advertising cheap MOTs.
MOT test checklist
Always choose a Book my MOT and service registered MOT test centre.
Leave your vehicle at the garage to be repaired and retested if possible.
Reduce MOT repairs with regular maintenance.
Regularly service your car to avoid any costly surprises.