The UK’s motor industry voice has called for responses to proposals that could see the price of MOT tests become more expensive.
The Institute of the Motor Industry has launched a survey to gather insight into potential changes to the cost of taking an MOT test.
Proposals have been made in recent months to hike the price of an MOT test to help garages adapt to soaring costs, since the price has not changed in 16 years.
The Independent Garages Association (IGA) met with the Department for Transport to raise the issue of increasing costs.
It suggested that the price of an MOT test could rise to “at least £95”, given that the current cost was “unsustainable” for garages across the UK.
This would be a dramatic hike from current rates, as a standard car test costs £54.85, while a 200cc motorcycle test costs £29.65.
Experts have called for an increase to help garages and testing centres account for extra costs from inflation and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
In recent years, garages have highlighted pressures on the cost of rent, equipment, training and labour.
The Institute of the Motor Industry has launched a survey to hear opinions on hiking the cost of an MOT test
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The IMI has launched a new survey to hear about recruitment, retention, operating costs and future workforce challenges.
Feedback will be used by the IMI for an industry roundtable with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) later this month.
Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, acknowledged the “difficult balance” needed when considering options to increase the price of an MOT test.
He added: “Garages need to be able to cover rapidly rising costs and more complex tests, while drivers need the price to remain affordable.
Experts have called for MOT test prices to rise to account for inflation and soaring operating costs
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“If prices are not accessible, it will bring about serious vehicle safety issues that increase risk on UK roads.
“The IMI is already working with the industry to resolve the challenges. Our roundtable event will bring together trade associations, road safety organisations and other stakeholders to discuss the way forward.”
Mr Connor noted how all parties involved in the MOT process wanted to see a “fair” solution to the issue of rising costs.
The roundtable will consider the financial difficulties faced by MOT garages and the constantly evolving process involved.
Experts have suggested that the price of an MOT could rise to £95 or more
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The IMI acknowledged that testing sites need to account for future investment as vehicle technology evolves.
This is especially true for the rapidly growing number of electric vehicles on the road, as well as constantly updating ADAS systems.
