The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has escalated its campaign for an increase to the statutory MOT fee cap, formally requesting an urgent meeting with the Transport Minister.
The move follows discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on 24 September, where the trade body highlighted the mounting financial pressures facing independent garages.
The MOT fee cap has remained frozen at £54.30 since 2010, despite significant inflation and rising operational costs. The IGA is maintaining its stance that the cap should be raised to at least £95 to ensure testing remains commercially viable for workshops.
Commercial pressures
Independent garages are increasingly forced to make difficult business decisions regarding workshop utilisation. Many are opting to prioritise more lucrative repair and servicing work over MOT testing to offset escalating overheads.
The trade association warns that if this trend continues, available MOT appointment slots will decline, restricting consumer choice and making it harder for motorists to secure tests. For independent workshops, the outcome directly impacts hourly labour recovery rates and overall business margins.
Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association, said: “The IGA has made its position clear to Government, and we are grateful to officials at the DfT and DVSA for engaging with us. However, following our discussions, we believe the time has now come for this issue to receive the direct ministerial attention it deserves.
“The MOT fee has been frozen since 2010, while the cost of running a garage and carrying out an MOT has risen significantly. Our members are telling us that they are reaching the point where they can no longer absorb these rising costs and still make MOT testing commercially viable.”
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