Maximum MOT fees by vehicle
These are the legal maximums set by the government. The "first MOT" column is the age at which the vehicle needs its first test.
| Vehicle | Class | First MOT (years) | Maximum fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle up to 200cc | 1 | 3 | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar, up to 200cc | 1 | 3 | £37.80 |
| Motorcycle over 200cc | 2 | 3 | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar, over 200cc | 2 | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicle up to 450kg unladen | 3 | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicle over 450kg unladen | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Car (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Motor caravan | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Quad (max 400kg unladen, 550kg for goods, 15kW) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Dual purpose vehicle | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Private hire and public service vehicle (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Ambulance and taxi | 4 | 1 | £54.85 |
| Private passenger vehicle or ambulance, 9 to 12 seats | 4 | 1 | £57.30 |
| Goods vehicle up to 3,000kg design gross weight | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Class 4 vehicle, 9 to 12 seats, with seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64 |
| Private passenger vehicle or ambulance, 13 to 16 seats | 5 | 1 | £59.55 |
| Private passenger vehicle or ambulance, more than 16 seats | 5 | 1 | £80.65 |
| Playbus | 5 | 1 | £80.65 |
| Class 5 vehicle, 13 to 16 seats, with seat belt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50 |
| Class 5 vehicle, more than 16 seats, with seat belt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50 |
| Petrol, diesel or hybrid goods vehicle over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg | 7 | 3 | £58.60 |
| Zero emission goods vehicle, 3,501kg to 4,250kg | 7 | 3 | £58.60 |
Why prices differ between garages
The MOT fee is a cap, not a fixed price. Independent garages often charge less than the maximum to win the work, and some council-run test centres publish their own rates. The test itself is the same wherever you go: the tester follows the same inspection manual and the result goes into the same DVSA database.
A cheap MOT is not a problem in itself. What matters is that the garage is on the DVSA list of authorised test stations, which every centre on this site is.
Extra costs to plan for
- Repairs are separate from the test fee. The garage can only charge you for repairs you agree to.
- A retest can be free or cost a partial fee depending on when and where you go back. See MOT retest rules.
- Taxis and some passenger vehicles need their first MOT at one year old, not three.
Continue on GOV.UK
These official services are where you actually do it:
Frequently asked questions
Is £54.85 the price everywhere?
No. It is the most a test centre is allowed to charge for a car MOT. Garages set their own price at or below it, so prices vary from one garage to the next.
Do I pay again if my car fails?
Not always. If you leave the car at the centre for repair and it is retested within 10 working days, there is no fee for the partial retest. Retest rules.
How much is an MOT for a van?
Vans up to 3,000kg design gross weight are Class 4, with a maximum of £54.85. Goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg are Class 7, with a maximum of £58.60.
Is the MOT cheaper for motorcycles?
Yes. The maximum is £29.65 for a solo motorcycle and £37.80 with a sidecar.
Related guides
When is my MOT due?
First MOT at 3 years, and the earliest date to test.
MOT retest rules
When the retest is free and when you pay again.
Dangerous, major and minor
What each result means for driving.
Driving without an MOT
Fines up to £1,000, and the two exceptions.
MOT exemptions
Cars over 40 years old, tractors and more.
MOT classes explained
Class 1 to 7, and which centres test each.
Find an MOT centre
Official sources consulted: GOV.UK MOT test fees · GOV.UK retests. MOT Test Centres is independent and not part of the DVSA or GOV.UK; fees and rules can change, so confirm on GOV.UK.