An MOT inspection costs on average between £25 and £50 for a passenger car, depending on where you have the inspection carried out. The price varies per garage due to factors such as location, type of business and service level. During the inspection, an examiner checks whether your car is safe for the road by examining important components such as brakes, lighting and tyres. Petrol and electric cars need their first MOT after 4 years, then annually. Diesel cars after 3 years.
What is the average price for an MOT inspection in the UK?
The average MOT inspection price is between £25 and £50 for a passenger car. At small independent garages you often pay at the lower end of this range, around £25 to £35. Main dealers usually charge £40 to £50 or sometimes more. Independent garages like ours fall in between, with rates around £35 to £45.
What do you get for this amount? An MOT inspection is a legally required safety check where an approved examiner verifies whether your car meets safety requirements. The inspection takes on average 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of car and its condition. You pay for the examiner’s time, the use of professional testing equipment and administrative handling.
The standard MOT inspection has no hidden costs. You only pay for the inspection itself. If defects are found, you receive information about this beforehand and can decide yourself where to have any repairs carried out. The re-test within the same month is often cheaper or even free, depending on the garage.
Note: some garages advertise extremely low MOT rates (£20 or less) as a loss leader. Often they recover this through higher prices for repairs or by charging extra checks that are not standard. A realistic price between £30 and £45 gives you the assurance that the inspection is carried out carefully without a hidden agenda.
Why does the price of an MOT inspection vary per garage?
The MOT inspection costs differ because garages have different cost structures. A small independent garage has lower overhead costs than a large dealer with showroom and many staff. They can pass on those lower costs in their MOT rate. Main dealers have higher rental prices, more administrative costs and often more expensive workshop equipment, which translates into higher rates.
Location also plays a role. In large cities, rental prices and staff costs are higher than in smaller towns. A garage in London therefore often charges more than a comparable garage in a smaller town. The quality of equipment also makes a difference. Modern testing equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain, but does deliver more accurate results.
The service level also influences the price. Some garages offer extras such as a courtesy car, free coffee or a waiting room with wifi. Others focus purely on the inspection itself and keep the price low. Both approaches are fine, it depends on what you consider important.
The experience and training of examiners also plays a part. Well-trained examiners with years of experience cost more, but often work more efficiently and accurately. They recognise problems faster and can better advise on what is and isn’t urgent. With brands such as Renault, Peugeot and Citroën, we as an approved workshop have specific knowledge that helps when assessing brand-specific components.
The cheapest option is not always the best choice. An inspection for £20 may be tempting, but if the examiner unnecessarily identifies defects to sell repairs, you end up paying more in the long run. A fair price at a reliable garage gives you the assurance that you receive objective advice.
What happens during an MOT inspection and what is checked?
During an MOT inspection the examiner systematically checks all safety-relevant components of your car. The inspection takes on average 30 to 45 minutes and follows a fixed procedure. The examiner works through a checklist with more than 150 check points that are laid down in MOT regulations.
The main components that are checked are:
- Brakes – brake performance, brake discs, brake pads and handbrake are tested on a roller brake tester
- Lighting – all lights (main beam, dipped beam, indicators, brake lights, fog lights) must work and be properly adjusted
- Exhaust – for leaks and excessive emissions (for petrol cars CO content is measured)
- Tyres – tread depth must be at least 1.6mm, no damage or cracks
- Steering – play in the steering, condition of power steering and linkages
- Suspension – shock absorbers, suspension struts and bushes are checked for leakage and wear
- Body – rust holes or sharp edges that could be dangerous
- Windows – cracks or chips in the glass within the driver’s field of vision
- Seat belts – operation and mounting of all belts
- Mirrors – presence and condition of interior and exterior mirrors
For electric and hybrid cars, the condition of high-voltage cables and battery housing is also checked. For Renault, Peugeot and Citroën models we know the specific points of attention, such as the known weak spots that these brands can suffer from.
The examiner records all findings in the testing system. If everything is in order, you immediately receive a pass certificate. With defects you receive a report with an overview of what needs to be done. The examiner usually explains what is wrong and how urgent the repair is.
These checks are important for road safety. They ensure that cars on the road meet minimum safety requirements. It prevents you from driving with faulty brakes, worn tyres or other dangerous defects.
What if your car fails the MOT?
If your car fails the MOT, you receive a report with the identified defects. There are two types of defects: minor defects and major defects. With minor defects you receive a pass and have two months to have the defects repaired. With major defects you receive no pass and must have the car re-tested within a month after repair.
With minor defects you may continue driving normally until the pass expires. Examples are a faulty fog light, small rust spots or a non-working windscreen washer. With major defects you are in principle not allowed to drive anymore. Examples are faulty brakes, worn tyres below minimum tread depth, or an exhaust that is hanging loose.
In practice, with major defects it is often tolerated that you drive home or directly to a garage to carry out the repair. But officially you risk a fine if you are stopped. It is therefore wise to take immediate action with major defects.
The costs of re-testing are often lower than a full inspection. Many garages charge £15 to £25 for a re-test, because only the failed points are checked again. If you have the repair carried out at the same garage, the re-test is sometimes free. That saves on the total costs.
You are not obliged to have the repair carried out at the testing garage. You may choose yourself where to have the car repaired. However, you must return within the set time limit (one month for major defects, two months for minor defects) for the re-test. If you exceed that time limit, you must have a full MOT inspection carried out again.
Unexpected repair costs are annoying. Therefore it is wise to ask before the MOT inspection whether the garage can do a pre-inspection. We often take a quick look to see if there are obvious defects that will not pass the test. This way you can estimate in advance what might need to be done and are not surprised by the costs.
For Renault, Peugeot and Citroën we know the typical problems that come up during MOT inspections. Certain models have known weak spots, such as rust in specific places or worn bushes. Through our experience with these brands we can often tell you in advance what to look out for.
Conclusion
An MOT inspection doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The price is between £25 and £50, depending on where you have the inspection carried out. It’s important that you choose a reliable garage that is transparent about costs and findings. The cheapest option is not always the best, because objective advice and careful inspection are worth more than a few pounds discount.
At Tyres-On in Veldhoven we carry out MOT inspections for all car brands. With our background as an approved Renault specialist we have extensive experience with Renault, Peugeot and Citroën, but other brands are also welcome. We tell you honestly what is wrong, without talking up unnecessary repairs. Our MOT rate is realistic and transparent, and if there are defects, you get clear explanation about what is and isn’t urgent.
Would you like to have your car tested or do you have questions about the MOT inspection? Contact us or book an appointment directly. We take the time to explain and ensure you leave with a good feeling. For all repairs and maintenance you can come to us.
Need help with your MOT inspection?
Is your MOT inspection coming up soon or do you want certainty before having your car tested? At Tyres-On in Veldhoven we are happy to help you with an honest and careful MOT inspection at a competitive rate. We advise transparently about any defects and work with you to find the best solution. Make an appointment and experience the difference of personal service and craftsmanship.