The results are in

copied from the report
For the MOT to keep pace with modern technology and to provide motorists with excellent service, it is important that we have an environment that encourages and facilitates investment in MOT stations. Additional or different testing requirements have the potential to increase the costs to garages. The maximum amount that a garage can charge for an MOT test has not changed since 2010 compared to a rise in CPI of about 34% between July 2010 and July 2022. If the maximum MOT fee had risen in line with this increase in CPI, it would now be £73.50. In practice, MOT testing is a highly competitive market and many MOT testing stations charge less than the maximum – often in the £35-45 price range. Whilst this may be good for consumers, it can put pressure on garages to test quickly or cut corners.

This consultation has suggested future changes to the MOT test might be made that would require investment by garages. DVSA has implemented previous changes that have required substantial new garage equipment by initially making them optional for garages. Garages that did not invest were not able to test vehicles that required that equipment. For example, this was done when diesel smoke metered test and catalytic convertor emissions test were introduced. That smoothed the investment profile for garages – but did mean that some motorists had to travel further.

We welcome comments and evidence from the MOT testing sector and others about the cost implications of changes to testing and whether changes are needed to the level of current MOT fees or to the basis of costs (for example, on whether the MOT fee cap should remain a maximum limit or should it become a guideline).

Longer term