Garages Urge UK Government to Raise MOT Fee to £95

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) and automotive operator KwikFit are urging the UK government to increase the maximum MOT test fee from £54.85 to £95. The IGA argues that the fee has been frozen since 2010, while the costs of staff, property, and equipment have risen significantly, threatening the commercial viability of independent garages.

KwikFit operations director Dan Joyce warned that the current fee structure may compromise the credibility of the safety check. He noted that smaller operators lack the funds to invest in modern connected equipment, which is necessary to reduce the risk of false certificates. While KwikFit supports a consultation on the fee structure, the company acknowledged that a £40.15 price hike would be unwelcome for motorists already facing high fuel bills.

To resolve the issue, the IGA has met with representatives from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Department for Transport. The association asserts that without government action, garages may be forced to prioritize more profitable repair work over essential safety tests, potentially reducing the national testing network's capacity and limiting consumer choice.