UK motorists could eventually face higher MOT prices after calls for the maximum car MOT fee to increase from £54.85 to at least £95.
The proposal has attracted attention because the current maximum MOT fee for a car has remained unchanged since 2010, while garages say the cost of carrying out MOT tests has risen substantially.
However, motorists should be clear about one important point:
The maximum price of a car MOT has not increased to £95.
The current maximum fee remains £54.85. The £95 figure is being proposed by representatives of the garage industry and has not been introduced as a new Government MOT price.
Here's what drivers need to know.
What Is the Maximum MOT Price in 2026?
The current maximum fee an MOT test centre can charge for a standard car MOT is:
£54.85
This is a maximum rather than a fixed price.
Garages are allowed to charge less, which is why motorists frequently see MOT tests advertised for £40, £35 or sometimes even less.
The £54.85 maximum for a Class 4 MOT has remained unchanged since 2010.
Why Are Garages Calling for the MOT Price to Increase?
Independent garages argue that the cost of providing an MOT test has increased significantly while the maximum fee has remained frozen.
Running an MOT testing station involves more than simply paying an MOT tester.
Garages have costs including:
- Qualified MOT tester wages
- MOT equipment
- Equipment maintenance and calibration
- Tester training
- Workshop premises
- Electricity and other energy costs
- Insurance
- Administration and compliance
- Emissions testing equipment
Garage representatives argue that these costs have increased substantially since the £54.85 maximum was introduced.
Some garages also offer discounted MOTs as a way of attracting customers for servicing and repair work, meaning the MOT itself can operate as a loss leader.
Could an MOT Really Cost £95?
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has called for the maximum MOT fee to increase to at least £95.
That would represent an increase of approximately 73% compared with the current £54.85 maximum.
Garage owners quoted in the motor trade have suggested various figures, with some arguing that around £75–£80 would be more appropriate and others supporting a price closer to £95–£100.
That does not mean every MOT would automatically cost £95.
Even if the Government eventually increased the maximum fee, the actual price motorists paid would depend on the rules introduced and whether garages remained free to charge below the maximum.
Has the Government Agreed to a £95 MOT?
No.
At the time of writing, the maximum car MOT fee remains £54.85.
The £95 figure is an industry proposal rather than a confirmed new Government MOT price.
This distinction is important because headlines suggesting that MOT tests are about to cost £95 could give motorists the impression that a price increase has already been approved.
It hasn't.
Any future change to the statutory maximum would need to be formally announced before motorists were required to pay a higher maximum fee.
Why Hasn't the MOT Maximum Increased Since 2010?
The current £54.85 maximum has been frozen for more than 15 years.
During that period, garages have faced increases in many operating costs, including wages, equipment, rent, energy, training and regulatory compliance.
This is at the centre of the garage industry's argument.
Supporters of an increase say that keeping the fee artificially low could make MOT testing less financially attractive for independent garages.
Some garage owners have even warned that they may eventually stop offering MOT tests if the economics of running an MOT station continue to worsen.
Could There Be a Minimum MOT Price Too?
There is another proposal being discussed within the automotive aftermarket.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has called for the current £54.85 maximum to become a mandatory minimum MOT fee.
The aim would be to reduce heavy MOT discounting and help testing stations cover the cost of equipment, training and future vehicle-testing requirements.
This is separate from the IGA's call for the maximum fee to rise to at least £95.
Neither proposal currently means motorists have to pay £95 for an MOT.
Has the Government Increased Other MOT-Related Charges?
There is some precedent for vehicle-testing charges being reviewed.
Maximum service charges for authorised testing facilities carrying out annual tests on HGVs, buses, coaches and trailers increased from 6 July 2026.
Those changes followed a Government consultation and were intended to reflect increased operating costs and support the sustainability of the testing network.
That does not mean an increase to the standard car MOT fee will necessarily follow, but it shows that vehicle-testing charges are being reviewed where the Government believes existing limits no longer reflect costs.
Would a Higher MOT Price Be Bad for Drivers?
For motorists, the obvious disadvantage would be the additional cost.
An increase from £54.85 to £95 would add £40.15 to the maximum cost of an annual MOT.
For households already dealing with higher insurance, fuel, servicing and repair costs, another increase in motoring expenses would not be welcome.
There is another side to the argument, however.
MOT testing requires trained technicians, specialist equipment and regulated testing facilities. If the maximum fee becomes uneconomic for garages, fewer businesses may be willing to provide the service.
The debate therefore comes down to finding a balance between keeping MOT testing affordable for motorists and ensuring garages can provide testing sustainably.
Would Every Garage Charge £95?
Not necessarily.
Under the current system, £54.85 is the maximum price rather than the required price.
Many garages deliberately charge less.
If a future Government decision simply increased the maximum fee while retaining the existing pricing structure, garages could potentially continue competing on price.
However, this would depend entirely on the rules accompanying any future change.
Until an official decision is announced, motorists should not assume that £95 will become the standard price of an MOT.
How Can Drivers Keep Their MOT Costs Down?
Whatever happens to the maximum MOT fee, comparing local garages can help motorists find a convenient MOT test at a suitable price.
It is also worth dealing with known vehicle problems before the test.
Common MOT issues include:
- Worn tyres
- Brake wear
- Faulty lights
- Suspension problems
- Windscreen damage
- Excessive corrosion
- Warning lights
Checking your vehicle's previous MOT history can help identify recurring advisories that may need attention before the next test.
Use our Free MOT History Checker to see previous MOT results, advisories, failures and recorded mileage.
You can also compare garages offering MOT testing through TheGarageLocator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MOT price increasing to £95?
Not currently. The maximum price for a standard car MOT remains £54.85. The £95 figure has been proposed by the Independent Garage Association but has not been introduced as the new Government MOT fee.
What is the maximum MOT price in the UK?
The maximum fee for a standard car MOT is currently £54.85.
Can a garage charge less than £54.85 for an MOT?
Yes. £54.85 is the maximum fee, so garages can charge less.
Why do garages want the MOT fee increased?
Garage representatives say wages, equipment, calibration, training, energy and other operating costs have increased significantly while the maximum MOT fee has remained unchanged since 2010.
When was the MOT maximum price last increased?
The current £54.85 maximum for a standard Class 4 car MOT has been in place since 2010.
Will every MOT cost £95 if the maximum increases?
Not necessarily. That would depend on how any future changes were implemented. No £95 maximum has currently been introduced.
Final Thoughts
Calls to increase the maximum MOT fee from £54.85 to at least £95 are likely to concern motorists, particularly when the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle is already high.
But the proposed £95 figure should not be confused with an announced price increase.
The maximum car MOT fee remains £54.85.
The debate is currently about whether that limit remains sustainable after being frozen since 2010 and whether garages should be allowed to charge more in the future.
TheGarageLocator will update this guide if the Government announces a formal consultation or confirms any change to the maximum MOT fee.
In the meantime, motorists can compare local MOT garages and use our Free MOT History Checker to review a vehicle's previous MOT results, advisories and failures.