The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) is advocating for an increase in the MOT test fee to support the modernisation of the test and to help independent garages keep pace with technological changes. The current maximum fee a garage can charge for a car MOT is £54.85, a figure that has been frozen since 2010.
According to Mark Field, IAAF Chief Executive, the fee should be around £90 today just to keep up with inflation. He argues that an increase is necessary to ensure that testing stations can continue to deliver high standards and invest in the equipment and training needed for modern, complex vehicles.
The IAAF is also supporting proposals to modernise the MOT test itself. These include testing exhaust particulate levels on both petrol and diesel vehicles, as well as performing functional checks on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which are becoming increasingly common. These changes are seen as crucial for improving road safety and air quality.
With DVSA forecasts predicting a 16% rise in MOT volumes for September 2025 compared to the previous year, the pressure on testing stations is expected to grow.
Field concluded that an increased fee would further support the independent aftermarket’s role in keeping the UK’s vehicles safe and roadworthy. The IAAF plans to continue lobbying the government for a fair reform of the MOT system that reflects technological change and supports the sector’s vital role.
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