So that you know, there is a maximum amount MOT test stations in the UK can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle. Any additional work, including repairs and consumable parts, will affect your final vehicle service bill.
2024 MOT Cost
The maximum fee for an MOT test depends on the type of vehicle you have. For example, a car (up to 8 passenger seats) can be charged up to £54.85, while a motorcycle (up to 200cc) can be charged up to £29.65. However, these are the maximum fees and many MOT test centres offer lower prices to attract customers.
The MOT test procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes to complete. You can watch the test from a viewing area but you must not interrupt the tester.
The current maximum MOT Test fees for England, Wales and Scotland in 2024 can be found below.
You do not pay VAT on the fee.
You can also check the MOT fees table on the government website to see the maximum fee for your vehicle type.
| Class | Vehicle Class Description | Age first MOT due (years) | Maximum MOT fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) Including Mopeds & Scooters. | 3 | £29.65 |
| 1 | Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 3 | £37.80 |
| 2 | Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 3 | £29.65 |
| 2 | Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3 | 3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | £37.80 |
| 4 | 3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | £54.85 |
| 4 | Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 3 | £54.85 |
| 4 | Motor caravans | 3 | £54.85 |
| 4 | Quads (max unladen weight 400kg – for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 3 | £54.85 |
| 4 | Dual purpose vehicles | 3 | £54.85 |
| 4 | Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 3 | £54.85 |
| 4 | Ambulances and taxis | 1 | £54.85 |
| 4 | Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 1 | £57.30 |
| 4 | Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 3 | £54.85 |
| 4a | Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | n/a | £64 |
| 5 | Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 1 | £59.55 |
| 5 | Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 1 | £80.65 |
| 5 | Playbuses | 1 | £80.65 |
| 5a | Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | n/a | £80.50 |
| 5a | Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | n/a | £124.50 |
| 7 | Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 3 | £58.60 |
But how much does an MOT test cost? And where can you find a reliable and affordable MOT test centre near you? This article will answer these questions and help you save time and money on your MOT test.
Check My MOT History Online
Click the image link to access our free-to-use MOT history tool. Check for latest expiry date, advisory and failure reasons.
If you own a vehicle in the UK, you need to get an MOT test every year to make sure it meets the road safety and environmental standards required by law. The MOT test checks various parts and systems of your vehicle, such as brakes, tyres, lights, steering, suspension, emissions and more.
Some Common MOT Failures
- Lighting and signalling: This includes issues with headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, number plate lights and reflectors. You should check that all your lights are working properly and are aligned correctly. You should also replace any blown bulbs or cracked lenses before the MOT test.
- Suspension: This includes issues with springs, shock absorbers, arms, rods, struts, sub-frames, anti-roll bars, joints, pins and bushes. You should check that your suspension is not leaking, corroded or damaged. You should also listen for unusual noises or vibrations when driving over bumps or corners.
- Brakes: This includes issues with brake pads, discs, drums, hoses, pipes, fluid and electronic systems. Please make sure that your brakes are responsive and effective. You should also check the brake fluid level and condition. You should replace any worn or damaged parts before the MOT test.
- Tyres: This includes issues with tyre condition, pressure, tread depth, size and alignment. You should check that your tyres are not worn, cracked, bulging or punctured. You should also check that they have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre. You should also check that they are inflated to the correct pressure and are aligned properly.
- Driver’s view of the road: This includes issues with mirrors, wipers, washers and windscreen. You should check that your mirrors are secure and provide a clear view. You should also check that your wipers and washers are working effectively and that your windscreen is not cracked, chipped or obscured.
These are some of the most common MOT failures, but there are many other things that can cause your vehicle to fail the test. You can find a full list of MOT checks on the government website.
MOT Test Procedure
The MOT test procedure is a standardised inspection of various parts and systems of your vehicle to ensure they meet the legal requirements for road safety and environmental standards. The MOT test procedure may vary slightly depending on the type of vehicle you have, but generally, it involves the following steps:
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle details and record them on a computer.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s exhaust emissions to make sure they are within the limits.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s lights, indicators, reflectors, horn, registration plate and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s brakes, including the condition, operation, fluid level and anti-lock braking system (ABS) if fitted.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s steering, including the condition, operation, alignment and power steering system if fitted.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s tyres, including the condition, pressure, tread depth, size and alignment. They will also check the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) if fitted.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s suspension, including the condition, operation and security of springs, shock absorbers, arms, rods, struts, sub-frames, anti-roll bars, joints, pins and bushes.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s visibility, including the condition and operation of mirrors, wipers, washers and windscreen. They will also check the field of vision and bonnet catches.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s body, structure and attachments, including the condition and security of the exhaust system, bumpers, doors, seats and floor. They will also check for any corrosion or damage that affects the safety of the vehicle.
- The vehicle examiner will check your vehicle’s other equipment, including the seat belts and restraint systems, airbags, anti-theft devices, speedometer, speed limiter and electronic stability control (ESC) if fitted.
- If your vehicle is a bus or a coach, the vehicle examiner will also check the entrance and exit doors, emergency exits, passenger grab handles, steps and stairs.
At the end of the test, you will receive an MOT test result certificate that shows whether your vehicle has passed or failed the test. If your vehicle fails the test, you will also receive a list of defects that must be fixed before getting a pass certificate. You can find more information about MOT test results on the government website.
How to find an MOT test centre near you?
There are thousands of MOT test centres across the UK, but not all are authorised by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You should only use an approved MOT test centre that displays the blue sign with 3 white triangles.
Search our Town/City A to Z Garage List here.