UK MOT Season — 12,100 searches/month
The MOT costs £54.85.
But what does it really cost?
The test fee is just the beginning. Factor in failure probability, repair costs, and regional pricing — and get your true MOT budget in seconds.
Max fee: £54.85 (car)Avg failure rate: 40%Repairs: £100–£2,000+
Your Vehicle
Max legal fee: £54.85
years
How old is your vehicle?
Approximate odometer reading
Select areas you're worried about — affects repair estimate
Max Legal Test Fee
£54.85
Set by DVSA for cars
Average Garage Charge
£40.00
Typical range: £30–55 (London higher)
Failure Probability
35%
Based on age, mileage, and last result
Estimated Repair Cost (if fail)
£125.00
Range: £50–£200
Expected Total MOT Cost
£83.75
Test fee + (35% chance × estimated repairs)
Recommended Annual MOT Budget
£110.00
Round up to cover repairs if needed
Ways to reduce your MOT bill
- ✓Pre-check tyres: tread depth must exceed 1.6mm — a £2 gauge can save you failing.
- ✓Test all lights before you go — bulbs cost under £5 and take minutes.
- ✓Book early morning — fresher mechanics, less risk of rushed work.
- ✓Use comparison sites (BookMyGarage, MotorEasy) to find local deals under £35.
- ✓Ask for a pre-MOT inspection — many garages offer free or low-cost checks.
Found this useful? Check our other cost calculators