How Much Does an MOT Cost in the UK? 2026 Prices and Retest Fees
By RegPeek Editorial Team · Published
MOT fees are capped by law, so no garage can charge more than the DVSA maximum — but many charge less, and the retest rules can save you money too.
The short answer
DVSA sets a maximum MOT fee of £54.85 for a car (class 4) and £29.65 for a motorcycle. Garages can charge less than the maximum but never more. Repairs, retests outside the free window and any extras are separate from the test fee.
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Check a VehicleThe maximum fees
- Car, up to 8 passenger seats (class 4): £54.85 maximum.
- Motorcycle (class 1 and 2): £29.65 maximum.
- Motorcycle with sidecar (class 3): £37.80 maximum.
- Goods vehicle up to 3,000kg (class 7): £58.60 maximum.
These are ceilings, not fixed prices. Independent garages, fast-fit chains and dealers often discount the test, sometimes to under £35, or offer a free MOT with a service. Always confirm the price before you book.
Is the retest free?
If your vehicle fails and you leave it at the test centre for repairs, a retest carried out before the end of the next working day is free. If you take the vehicle away and bring it back within 10 working days, a partial retest covering only the failed items is free at many centres, although a further fee can apply if a full test is needed.
Ask the test centre to confirm its retest policy in writing when you collect the vehicle — the free window is short and easy to miss.
Costs that are not part of the MOT fee
- Repairs needed to pass — these are quoted separately and you can take the car elsewhere.
- A service, which is a different job with a different price.
- Consumables such as bulbs or wiper blades fitted on the day.
- A duplicate certificate if you need a paper copy.
How to keep the bill down
- Do a pre-MOT walk round first — the most common MOT failures include lights and tyres you can check yourself.
- Get repair quotes from more than one garage rather than accepting the test centre's price by default.
- Book early in the month before expiry so a fail leaves time for repairs without the car being off the road.
- Check the MOT history of any car you are buying so you are not inheriting years of advisories — see how to read MOT history.
Prices for the maximum fee are set by DVSA and change only when the government updates them, so check the GOV.UK fees page if you are reading this some time after the review date above.
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Related guides
- When Is My MOT Due? Check Your Expiry Date by RegistrationFind out exactly when your MOT expires using only the registration number, what the expiry date means and how to avoid missing it.
- 15 Most Common MOT Failures and a Pre-MOT ChecklistThe faults that fail most cars at MOT and a practical checklist you can work through at home in 20 minutes before the test.
- What Happens If My Car Fails Its MOT? Driving Rules, Repairs and RetestsWhat a dangerous, major or minor MOT defect means, whether you can drive away, how retests work and what your repair options are.
- How Early Can I Get an MOT Without Losing Days?You can test up to a month minus a day before expiry and keep your renewal date. Here is how the rule works and how to prove your current expiry date.
RegPeek is an independent vehicle information service and is not affiliated with DVLA or DVSA. This guide is general information, not legal advice.