MOT Test Rate Changes 2026: What Garages Need to Tell Customers
The DVSA confirmed new MOT test fee guidance for 2026. Here's a clear breakdown garages can use to talk to customers about pricing — and what stays the same.
What's changing in 2026
The DVSA has reaffirmed the maximum fee a garage may charge for a Class 4 or Class 7 MOT test remains capped at £54.85. While the statutory cap itself is unchanged from 2025, the guidance around what garages must disclose to customers has tightened.
Key takeaways for garage owners
- Display your test fee prominently — at the test station and on any website.
- Explain to customers that the cap applies only to the MOT test itself. Parts, labour and advisory work are priced separately.
- Quote a real-world 'representative price' if your MOT is bundled with a service.
Why this matters now
AI search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity increasingly surface fee information in answers to drivers asking 'how much is an MOT in 2026'. Garages with clear, structured pricing pages are more likely to be cited.
Quick wins for your pricing page
- State the MOT test price clearly (no asterisks).
- Show any combination deals (MOT + service).
- Link to your MOT or service booking page.
Sticking with transparent pricing isn't just good compliance — it's now good AI visibility too.
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