IGA Demands MOT Fee Increase in Four Key Requests to Government

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has outlined four key priorities it wants the new UK Government to address, with an urgent review of the MOT fee sitting firmly at the top of its agenda.

Representing thousands of independent garages across the UK, the IGA says the current maximum MOT fee has remained unchanged for 16 years despite substantial increases in operating costs. It argues that without action, the long-term sustainability of the UK’s MOT testing network could be placed at risk.

1. Increase the MOT Fee

The IGA’s primary request is for the Government to increase the statutory maximum MOT fee for Class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles.

The maximum charge for a standard Class 4 MOT remains £54.85, a figure that has not changed since 2010. During that period, garages have experienced significant increases in:

Labour costs
Energy bills
Business rates
Workshop equipment
Rent
Fuel
Compliance requirements
Administrative costs

According to the association, many independent garages are now forced to prioritise higher-value repair work over MOT testing because the current fee no longer reflects the true cost of carrying out the inspection.

The IGA warns that if this trend continues, fewer MOT bays could become available across the UK, reducing testing capacity and making it harder for motorists to book convenient appointments. Ultimately, the organisation believes this could negatively affect road safety by reducing access to authorised MOT testing stations.

2. Reduce the Burden on Small Businesses

The second priority focuses on improving the operating environment for independent garages, the majority of which are small or family-run businesses.

The IGA is calling on Government to reduce financial pressures affecting SMEs, including:

Higher employer National Insurance costs
Rising business rates
Increasing employment regulation
Continued inflationary pressures

The organisation argues that independent garages play a critical role in local economies by creating employment, supporting apprenticeships and keeping motorists safely on the road.

Reducing the tax and regulatory burden, it says, would allow businesses to invest more confidently in staff, equipment and future growth.

3. Invest in Skills and EV Technician Training

Skills shortages remain one of the biggest challenges facing the UK automotive aftermarket.

The IGA has urged Government to continue supporting apprenticeships and provide greater financial incentives for businesses recruiting and training young technicians.

It also says additional investment is needed to prepare garages for the transition to electric vehicles.

While much political attention has focused on charging infrastructure, the IGA believes equal importance must be given to ensuring independent garages have technicians qualified to maintain and repair increasingly complex electric vehicles throughout their lifespan.

Supporting training now will help maintain consumer choice while ensuring motorists continue to have access to trusted local repairers as the vehicle parc evolves.

4. Provide Greater Certainty on the UK’s Zero-Emission Transition

The final recommendation concerns long-term policy certainty.

The IGA says independent garages are willing to invest in new diagnostic equipment, specialist tools and technician training, but businesses need confidence that Government policy surrounding zero-emission vehicles will remain consistent.

Clearer long-term direction would allow garages to plan investments more effectively while ensuring the independent sector remains capable of servicing and repairing the next generation of vehicles.

The association believes maintaining a healthy independent repair network will be essential to preserving competition and consumer choice during the UK’s transition to zero-emission motoring.

Why the MOT Fee Debate Matters

The debate surrounding MOT pricing has gathered pace throughout 2026.

Earlier this year, the IGA renewed its call for an increase after warning that the frozen fee cap is making MOT testing financially unsustainable for many businesses. It has also welcomed confirmation from the Department for Transport that a review of the MOT fee is underway following sustained industry lobbying.

For motorists, any increase in the maximum fee would likely mean paying more for an annual MOT test. However, the IGA argues that a realistic fee would help preserve the nationwide testing network, ensuring independent garages can continue offering accessible MOT services while maintaining high standards of vehicle safety.

Industry Response

The IGA’s submission reflects wider concerns across the independent garage sector that increasing operating costs are placing growing pressure on businesses already dealing with technician shortages, investment demands and the transition to electric vehicles.

Whether the Government acts on all four recommendations remains to be seen, but the association has made clear that updating the MOT fee, supporting SMEs, investing in skills and providing certainty on zero-emission vehicle policy are essential if independent garages are to continue playing their vital role in keeping Britain’s vehicles safe and roadworthy.