MOT costs up to �54.85 for cars in 2025. Find average prices by region, free MOT deals explained, retest costs, and money-saving tips for UK drivers.
An MOT test is a legal requirement for most UK vehicles over 3 years old, but costs can vary significantly depending on where you live, the type of vehicle you drive, and where you choose to get tested. While there's a maximum fee set by government, many garages charge less - and some even advertise "free" MOTs.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how much you should expect to pay for an MOT in 2025, what's included (and what isn't), regional price variations, retest costs, and how to find the best value without compromising on quality.
The UK government sets maximum fees that MOT test centres can charge. These are the absolute most you should pay:
| Vehicle Type | Maximum Fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | �54.85 |
| Motorcycles (over 200cc) | �29.65 |
| Motorcycles (up to 200cc) | �29.65 |
| Motor tricycles (over 450kg unladen) | �37.80 |
| Private passenger vehicles (9-12 seats) | �58.60 |
| Goods vehicles (Class 7, 3,000-3,500kg) | �58.60 |
These maximum fees are set by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and reviewed annually. They've remained relatively stable in recent years.
Important: Garages can charge LESS than these maximum fees, but not more. If you're quoted above these prices for a standard MOT test, you're being overcharged.
The government caps MOT fees to:
However, garages are free to compete on price below the maximum, which is why you'll see varying costs.
While �54.85 is the maximum, actual average costs vary significantly by region:
| Region | Average Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| London | �45-�50 | �40-�54.85 |
| South East | �42-�48 | �38-�52 |
| South West | �38-�45 | �35-�50 |
| East of England | �40-�46 | �36-�50 |
| West Midlands | �36-�44 | �32-�48 |
| East Midlands | �35-�42 | �30-�46 |
| Yorkshire | �34-�42 | �30-�48 |
| North West | �35-�43 | �30-�47 |
| North East | �32-�40 | �28-�45 |
| Wales | �35-�46 | �32-�50 |
| Scotland | �32-�44 | �28-�48 |
| Northern Ireland | Different system | N/A - Uses MOT differently |
Key insights:
Even within the same area, you'll find price variations due to:
Location factors:
Business model:
Facility quality:
You've probably seen adverts for "FREE MOT" at garages and wondered if it's too good to be true. Here's the reality:
Garages offering free MOTs typically:
Bundle with services:
Loss leader strategy:
Franchise promotions:
Good deal if:
L Avoid if:
Before booking a "free" MOT:
Remember: A test is only truly free if there are no conditions attached. Most "free" MOTs come with strings.
Your MOT test fee covers a comprehensive safety inspection:
Visual inspection of ~150 safety points Emissions test - Exhaust gases checked against limits Brake efficiency test - Rolling road brake tester Headlight alignment check - Beam pattern and aim Suspension check - Bounce test and inspection Steering check - Play and condition MOT certificate - If your vehicle passes Database upload - Results sent to DVSA automatically Emissions certificate - Separate document showing results
The test takes 45-60 minutes on average for a car.
Your MOT fee does NOT include:
L Any repairs or parts - Even minor fixes L Retest fees - If you return after 10 working days L Oil changes - Not part of MOT L Servicing - Completely separate L Cleaning or valet - Washing not required L Pre-MOT inspection - Optional extra L Collection/delivery - Usually extra charge
"I paid �55 for an MOT and they didn't even change the oil!"
Reality: MOT is a safety test only, not a service. Oil changes, filter replacements, and general servicing are separate. Some garages deliberately confuse customers to upsell services.
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you'll need a retest. Here's what it costs:
You can get a free retest if:
You return within 10 working days (excluding Sundays and bank holidays) You return to the same test centre Only failed items are rechecked (partial retest) You can prove repairs were done (receipts help)
How it works:
Example timeline:
You'll pay for a full retest (up to �54.85 again) if:
L You return after 10 working days L You go to a different test centre L You request a full retest instead of partial L Vehicle has additional faults found
When full retests make sense:
To save money:
If you can't fix in 10 days:
The MOT test itself is just one part of the cost. Here's what else you might pay:
40% of vehicles fail their first MOT test, so budget for potential repairs:
Minor failures (lights, wipers): �10-�50
Moderate failures (brakes, tyres): �100-�400
Major failures (suspension, emissions): �200-�1,000+
Serious failures (structural): �500-�2,000+
Most garages charge �40-�80 per hour for labour:
Simple jobs (bulbs, wipers) may have flat fees (�15-�30).
Garages typically add 20-40% markup on parts:
Is it worth DIY?: If you're handy, yes. But garages guarantee their work.
Save money without compromising quality:
Online tools:
What to compare:
Save money by booking:
Off-peak months (January-February, May-June):
Weekdays rather than weekends:
Early morning or late afternoon:
L Avoid:
Halfords MOT:
Kwik Fit:
Supermarket garages (Tesco, Morrisons):
Independent garages:
Council MOT centres:
Where to find discount codes:
Typical savings:
Check Your MOT History Free - See what usually fails on your vehicle
Many garages bundle MOT with servicing:
MOT + Basic Service: �80-�150
MOT + Full Service: �150-�250
MOT + Major Service: �200-�400
Yes, if:
L No, if:
Pro tip: Get separate quotes for MOT and service, then compare to package price. Calculate actual savings.
Some factors make your total MOT costs higher or lower over time:
3-5 years old:
5-10 years old:
10+ years old:
Well-maintained cars:
Neglected cars:
Check your MOT history to see maintenance patterns and plan ahead.
Some brands more reliable:
Typically reliable (lower MOT costs):
Higher MOT costs:
French cars (Renault, Peugeot, Citro�n):
Low mileage (<5,000 miles/year):
High mileage (>15,000 miles/year):
Be aware of these potential extras:
Some garages pressure customers:
Red flags:
Your rights:
Know the difference:
Advisories are NOT failures. They're items to monitor:
Common advisories:
Don't feel pressured to fix advisories immediately. Plan for future repairs but they won't fail MOT.
Some garages charge extra for:
These should be free or very cheap. Don't pay separately unless agreed upfront.
Yes. The maximum legal fee for a car MOT in 2025 is �54.85. Garages can charge less but not more. Motorcycles have a lower maximum (�29.65).
Yes! Many garages charge �30-�45, especially independents or during promotions. Use price comparison sites or check local garage websites for deals.
Free if you return within 10 working days to the same garage for a partial retest (failed items only). Otherwise, you pay the full fee again (up to �54.85).
You have options:
Don't drive illegally - you'll face fines and insurance issues.
No. The MOT test fee is the same regardless of vehicle value. However, luxury cars often have higher repair costs if they fail (expensive parts, specialist labour).
No. The test fee is identical. However, diesel cars can face higher repair costs if they fail emissions (DPF cleaning/replacement is expensive at �100-�2,000).
Rarely. Most require booking a service (�100-�200+). The combined cost may be competitive, but the MOT itself isn't truly free. Calculate total cost vs separate MOT + service.
Budget guide:
Most drivers spend �100-�200 total (test + minor repairs).
The smartest way to minimize MOT costs:
2 weeks before your test:
Check your vehicle's history to predict issues:
Check Your Free MOT History � - Know your car's weak points before the test
Don't wait for the test:
Saves: Retest fees (�54.85) + wasted time
Compare prices locally:
Saves: �10-�25 on test fee
1 month before expiry:
Saves: Last-minute premium fees + stress
Absolute minimum (best case):
Typical cost (average case):
Higher cost (older/neglected car):
Worst case (serious failures):
Most UK drivers pay �50-�150 total for MOT including typical minor repairs.
Don't leave your MOT to the last minute. Check your history today, know what usually fails on your vehicle, and budget accordingly.
Check Your Free MOT History Now � (See your test history, advisories, and mileage)
Remember: The test itself is �28-�55. It's the failures that cost money - and most are preventable with simple checks.
Part of
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