In the UK, most vehicles over three years old will need to go for an annual MOT test. You may have noticed that some garages charge different MOT prices – this is because the cost of an MOT test can vary depending on several factors, including vehicle class and the type of garage you choose to have the test done at.

In this blog, we’ve broken down the different factors that could affect the cost of your MOT, and how you can book an MOT at a local garage at competitive prices.

Vehicle class and MOT cost

Vehicle class refers to the categorisation of vehicles based on size, weight, number of seats and number of wheels. What this means for MOTs is that the cost of an MOT test will vary depending on the vehicle class as different classes of vehicles have different requirements and testing procedures:

Class 1: Motorcycles (engine size up to 200c) - £29.65

Class 2: Motorcycles (engine size over 200cc) - £37.80

Class 3: 3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) - £37.80

Class 4: Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) - £54.85

Class 4a: Cars (9 to 12 passenger seats) - £64.00

Class 5: Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats - £80.65

Class 5a: Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) - £94.15

Class 7: Vans (up to 3,500kg gross weight) - £58.60

Generally, motorcycles and scooters cost less to test than cars or vans, while larger and heavier vehicles such as lorries and buses may require more time and resources to carry out the test properly, resulting in a higher cost.

All vehicle types can book an MOT in Caura, including motorcycles, cars and Class 7 or commercial vehicles.

Average MOT costs by brand

While the car brand itself does not directly affect the MOT test price, some luxury or high-end car brands may have more complex systems or components that require specialized equipment or knowledge to inspect, which could result in higher prices at certain garages.

• Mercedes-Benz: £54.85
• Audi: £54.85
• Peugeot: £53.21
• BMW: £53.82
• Vauxhall: £52.92
• Ford: £52.85
• Renault: £51.12
• Toyota: £50.96
• Nissan: £50.58

What this means is that by opting for a more affordable car to maintain, such as a Nissan, you can reduce your MOT cost compared to maintaining more expensive vehicles.

Why do garages charge different prices for MOT?

The type of garage you choose to have your MOT test done can also affect the price.

If you choose to have your MOT test done at a dealership that specialises in your car's brand, they might charge higher prices compared to an independent garage. This is because main dealerships often have higher overheads, and their technicians may have specialised training or certifications for specific car brands. Some garages may also offer additional services like pre-MOT checks which could add to the overall MOT cost.

According to MotorEasy, here are the average prices for MOT tests at different types of garages:

• Franchise Dealerships: £54.85
• OEM Main Dealerships: £49.58
• Independent Garages: £41.91

Not sure what each of these garage types means?

• Franchise Dealerships: these are businesses that have a contractual agreement with specific car manufacturers to sell and service their vehicles, offering manufacturer-backed warranties and financing options
• OEM Main Dealerships: these dealerships have a direct relationship with car manufacturers, selling and servicing vehicles using original parts, and are often part of a larger network owned by the manufacturer
• Independent Garages: privately-owned businesses not affiliated with any car manufacturer, providing servicing, repairs, and maintenance for a wide range of vehicle makes and models at competitive prices

Caura works with over 6000 independent and main dealership garages near you to make sure you can book an MOT at great competitive prices when it suits you.

Download Caura and get your MOT booked today.

Average MOT cost by location

You’re probably wondering – how much does an MOT test cost near me? That’s a good question because it makes a big difference. Here’s a breakdown of MOT costs by location:

What does an MOT check?

During an MOT test, the MOT tester will check various components of your vehicle to ensure that it meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the government. This includes checks on the vehicle's lights, brakes, suspension, tyres, and emissions.

There are different MOT checks for different vehicle types which all contribute to the overall MOT cost.

Find out everything that is checked during an MOT test for motorcycles and an MOT test for cars here.

Booking an MOT Test

Book an MOT test using the Caura app, who are rated excellent on Trustpilot, and choose from vetted independent and main-dealership garages nationwide.

Remember, you can book an MOT up to a month before your current MOT certificate expires, and your vehicle must pass the MOT test to legally drive on public roads.

Caura will remind you when your MOT is due to expire, then simply pick a car, pick a time, pick a garage, and get your MOT booked.

Download Caura to book your MOT today