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How much does an MOT cost
The
MOT test - is an annual vehicle test that must be carried out on a vehicle once it is over three years old.
In the UK, there is a set limit on the maximum cost that a garage can charge for MOTs.
This is set by the
UK Government – and it is illegal for a garage to charge more than the set maximum price.
The maximum that can be charged for an A Class 4 MOT (that is, one for cars with up to 8 passenger seats) is £54.85.
However, different vehicle types do come with differing maximum pricing.
What is the maximum MOT cost?
As mentioned above, the maximum MOT test cost for vehicles is set by the UK Government.
Below we have compiled a full list of the different MOT Classes / Vehicle Types and their corresponding maximum cost.
| Vehicle Type / MOT Class | Maximum MOT Cost |
| Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | £37.80 |
| Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | £54.85 |
| Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | £54.85 |
| Motor caravans | £54.85 |
| Quads (max unladen weight 400kg; 550kg for goods vehicles; max net power 15kW) | £54.85 |
| Dual purpose vehicles | £54.85 |
| Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | £54.85 |
| Ambulances and taxis | £54.85 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | £57.30 |
| Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | £54.85 |
| Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | £64.00 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | £59.55 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | £80.65 |
| Playbuses | £80.65 |
| Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | £80.50 |
| Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | £124.50 |
| Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | £58.60 |
You should never have to pay more for an MOT than the stated price above. Charging more would be an offence.
Do all garages charge the same for MOT?
No, not all
garages in the UK will charge the same price for an MOT. Whilst there is a maximum cap on the price of an MOT – there is no minimum.
This means that garages can include MOTs in special deals – or drop the price on how much they charge.
Many garages will do this in a bid to differentiate themselves from their competitors – offering special prices to attract new customers.
You will often find that the location of the garage will have a bearing on the price of the MOT.
Garages which are in more affluent parts of the country – where living costs are higher – may charge the upper end of the MOT price cap.
How long does a MOT take?
The average MOT test time for a car is usually between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
However, this will vary depending on the tester, the vehicle and other factors that may be outwith the garages control.
Motorcycles tend to take slightly less time to test – averaging between 30 – 45 minutes. Whereas the MOT test time can take up to 1.5 hours – due to their size and vehicle construction.
Price of an MOT Test
When it comes time for your car’s MOT, you will find that the cost of the MOT can vary from garage to garage.
However, it’s important to remember that there is a maximum cost that a MOT test centre can charge – for cars this is £54.85.
So you should never pay more than this for a singular MOT test.
To find the cheapest price for an MOT near you, it is a good idea to check a few different test centres to check on the prices they charge.