The average price for MOT and service test fees for a car in the UK is £54.85, set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Most garages charge less than £30 to £45. A motorcycle MOT is capped at £29.65, and heavier vans can cost up to £58.60. If your MOT is coming up, this guide covers everything you need to know based on the latest 2026 official fee schedule.
What Are MOT Test Fees?
The MOT test fee is the official charge that a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approves. The test centre can take for carrying out your vehicle’s annual safety and emissions check. This fee covers the test only. If your vehicle fails, any repair costs are separate and are not included in the MOT fee.
additionally, the MOT fee is exempt from VAT, so the price you see is the price you pay. However, if repairs are needed after a fail, then the standard 20% VAT usually applies to the labour and parts.
MOT Test Fees by Vehicle Class in 2026
The DVSA sets a different maximum fee depending on the vehicle’s class. Garages cannot legally charge more than these caps, but they’re free to charge less.
| Vehicle Type (Class) | Description | Maximum Fee |
| Class 1 & 2 | Motorcycles / mopeds | £29.65 |
| Class 3 | Three-wheeled vehicles | £37.80 |
| Class 4 | Cars, hatchbacks, saloons, estates, MPVs | £54.85 |
| Class 4 (van) | Vans up to 3,000kg | £54.85 |
| Class 7 | Vans between 3,000kg–3,500kg | £58.60 |
| Class 5 | Vehicles with 13–16 seats | £59.55 |
| Class 5 | Vehicles with 16+ seats | £80.65 |
| Class 5a | With seatbelt check (13–16 seats) | £80.50 |
| Class 5a | With seatbelt check (16+ seats) | £124.50 |
Electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have a separate fee category. For example, a Tesla Model 3, is still classed as a Class 4 MOT cost vehicle.
What Do Drivers Actually Pay?
Most drivers in practice pay less for the MOT check, and the legal cap is fixed £54.85. According to 2026 surveys of UK test centres:
- Average price is roughly £35 to £46
- National chains e.g. Halfords, MOT costs Kwik Fit promotional deals £20 to £30
- Prices tend to be higher in cities, especially London, Manchester etc.
- Prices in the north of England and rural areas are often more competitive despite less local competition
The MOT fee cap has been unchanged since 2010. So, meaning garages have been absorbing more of the rising cost themselves in real terms.
MOT Retest Fee Rules
If your vehicle fails its MOT, retest fees follow a few specific rules:
- Free retest if the vehicle stays at the garage and is retested within 10 working days.
- If you take the vehicle away and bring it back before the end of the next working day for a retest on a DVSA listed set of items.
- In some cases, partial retest fee may apply up to £10. So, it applies when the vehicle is brought back within 10 working days but wasn’t left at the garage.
Practical Ways to Save Money
- Book mid-week days, such as Tuesday to Thursday often has the cheapest deals.
- Use online booking discounts.
- Compare a few garages for the cheaper rates.
- Keep up with regular servicing of a vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to fail and rack up repair costs.
- Get diagnostic charges agreed in writing first to avoid any miscommunications.
Conclusion
The maximum MOT test fee for a car is capped at £54.85, but in practice most drivers pay noticeably less. Drivers can also apply for retests for the MOT check. Moreover, choosing the right garage, booking mid-week, and keeping your vehicle well-maintained can save you real money every year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum MOT fee for a car in 2026?
The maximum legal MOT fee for a car (Class 4) is £54.85. This fee is officially set by the DVSA.
Is VAT charged on the MOT fee?
No, the MOT test fee itself is exempt from VAT. However, any repair work carried out after a failed test is usually subject to 20% VAT.
How much does a motorcycle MOT cost?
The maximum fee for a motorcycle MOT is £29.65. Anyhow many garages charge less than this.
How much is the retest fee if my car fails its MOT?
In many cases the retest is free. Where it isn’t, the maximum partial retest fee is £10.
Do electric vehicles have different MOT fees?
No, electric vehicles fall under the same class system as petrol or diesel vehicles, with no separate EV fee tier.