What a price-cap review means for motorists - and why the MOT could soon change
Motorists may soon see changes to both the price and the content of their MOT test, as the Government confirms that the long-standing £54.85 MOT cap is being reviewed for the first time since 2010.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is expected to consult with industry later this year on whether the current maximum fee, which has not changed for the last 16 years, still reflects the costs faced by garages. Independent garages argue that inflation, equipment costs and the complexity of modern vehicles mean the cap no longer covers the true cost of delivering a high-quality MOT.
A review does not automatically mean the price will rise, but the DfT’s decision to re-examine the cap signals that increases are now a real possibility.
Why the price cap is being reviewed
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has long warned that stagnant MOT fees risk making MOT testing financially unviable for smaller workshops. These garages provide the majority of MOTs nationwide, and the IGA says increased income is needed to maintain staff, invest in training and keep up with modern diagnostic equipment.
Although the Government hasn’t confirmed any new price, this is the first time since 2010 that ministers have agreed to revisit the cap - a strong sign that change may be on the way.
Motorcycle MOTs, currently capped at £29.65, may also be reviewed.
But price isn’t the only thing under review
Separate from the MOT fee cap, the Government and DVSA continue to assess how the MOT test itself should evolve to reflect the huge shift in vehicle technology.
Areas under consideration include:
- Electric vehicle safety checks - such as battery condition and high-voltage components.
- ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) - including lane-keeping, emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
- Software and electronic system integrity - as more faults are now digital, not mechanical.
These areas were highlighted in the DfT’s recent MOT “call for evidence”, which gathered thousands of responses from drivers, garages and industry experts. The DVSA has stated that updating the MOT to reflect modern technology is an ongoing process, not a one-off change.
DVSA crackdown on Fraudulent MOT Certificates
Alongside the wider review, the DVSA is also running a trial aimed at stopping fraudulent MOT certificates - often referred to as Ghost MOTs, where a pass is issued without a physical inspection taking place.
Selected garages are now required to upload real-time photographic evidence of the vehicle during testing. The DVSA suggests this will help reduce fraud, improve accuracy and support better digital record-keeping. If successful, this could roll out nationwide.
Meanwhile, the DVSA will be continuing to explore how data and technology (for example - cameras, digital certificates) could be adopted to improve safety and reduce fraud.
What does this mean for drivers?
For now, there are no immediate changes, the price cap is still in place, and the MOT test remains the same.
However, motorists should expect:
- A possible increase in the cost of an MOT fee after the consultation concludes.
- New test items added in the future, especially for EVs and cars with advanced safety tech.
- Improved emissions tests are being considered as part of a separate DVSA trial.
- Stronger anti-fraud measures, meaning more secure and reliable MOT results.
With modern cars becoming more complex, and with more EVs on the road each year, the MOT system is clearly set for its biggest update in over a decade.
Stay ahead - book your MOT online today
Avoid last-minute stress and keep your vehicle fully compliant.
Use our online MOT or Service booking to secure your next appointment quickly and easily.