MOT costs in 2026: Is the MOT price going up and what could it mean for Norfolk motorists?

For many motorists, the annual MOT is simply another cost of running a car. But in 2026, the price of an MOT has become the subject of renewed debate across the motor industry.

The maximum price for a standard Class 4 MOT remains £54.85, a figure that has been unchanged since April 2010. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirms this is the maximum fee a testing station can charge for the MOT itself, and no VAT is payable on the test fee. (GOV.UK)

However, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is calling for the MOT fee to increase to at least £95, representing an increase of around 73%. The IGA says garages are facing significantly higher costs for labour, rent, equipment, fuel, energy, compliance and administration. (IGA)

Is the MOT price going up?

Not yet.

As of September 2026, the official maximum Class 4 MOT fee remains £54.85. The DVSA's latest 2026 fee poster confirms that £54.85 remains the maximum charge for cars and other Class 4 vehicles. (GOV.UK)

It is also important to remember that this is a maximum, rather than a mandatory price. Garages can charge less, meaning motorists may find MOTs available below £54.85. (GOV.UK)

What would a £95 MOT mean?

If the maximum fee were increased to £95, motorists paying the maximum would face an additional £40.15 per MOT.

For drivers with several vehicles, or businesses operating fleets, those additional costs could quickly add up. However, even if the government increased the maximum, individual garages could still determine their own prices below that ceiling.

The MOT is about more than the certificate

The MOT checks whether a vehicle meets the required minimum roadworthiness standard at the time of the test. It is not a full mechanical service and does not guarantee that a vehicle will remain trouble-free for the following 12 months.

Checking simple items such as lights, tyres, wipers and warning lights before the test can help identify potential problems.

At Fresh Motors in Watton, our MOT process also includes a video vehicle health check, helping customers see what our technicians can see and understand any failures or advisories identified. 

We also offer servicing and repairs across a range of vehicle classes, including Class 4 and Class 7 vehicles. 

What does this mean for Norfolk motorists?

For drivers in Watton, Thetford, Dereham, Wymondham, Attleborough, Norwich and across Norfolk, there is currently no government increase to the £54.85 maximum.

However, with the IGA campaigning for a significant increase, MOT pricing is likely to remain a talking point.

For motorists, booking your MOT in advance and keeping your vehicle properly maintained can help avoid unnecessary costs and keep your vehicle safely on the road.

Book your MOT in advance

Need an MOT, service or repair in Norfolk? Contact the Fresh Motors team in Watton to book your vehicle into our workshop.

The latest DVSA MOT fee poster, published in 2026, still lists:

For Fresh Motors customers, MOT reminders can also be sent by text or email, helping make sure an important annual deadline doesn’t get forgotten. 

So, is the MOT actually going up?

Not yet.

The maximum price for a standard Class 4 MOT remains £54.85 in September 2026.

However, with the independent garage industry calling for the maximum to rise to £95, the debate over how MOT testing is funded is becoming increasingly important.

Whatever happens next, one thing won’t change: keeping your vehicle properly maintained and roadworthy is one of the most important responsibilities of being a motorist.

For drivers looking for an MOT in Watton or Norfolk, planning ahead and choosing a trusted local garage can help make the process straightforward, whatever happens to the price in the future.

Need an MOT, service or repair in Norfolk? Contact the Fresh Motors team in Watton to book your vehicle into our workshop.