What Is a Class 4 MOT?
A Class 4 MOT covers private passenger cars with up to 8 passenger seats. This is the most common type of MOT test in the UK — covering the vast majority of family cars, hatchbacks, saloons, estates, and SUVs.
What Does the Maximum Fee Cover?
The £54.85 maximum covers the full MOT test — typically 45–60 minutes of inspection covering lights, steering, suspension, brakes, tyres, bodywork, emissions, windscreen, seat belts, and registration plates.
It does not cover repairs. If your car fails, you'll pay separately for any work needed. Get quotes from multiple garages before committing to repairs.
What Do Garages Actually Charge?
Very few garages charge the full £54.85 maximum. Typical prices:
- National chains (Halfords, Kwik Fit, ATS): often £25–£40, with regular online deals as low as £15–£19
- Independent garages: typically £30–£50
- Dealerships: often £40–£55, sometimes the full maximum
- Council test centres: typically competitively priced
Retest Fees
If your car fails, you can get it retested. Rules:
- Repairs done and retested at the same garage within 10 working days — partial retest is free
- Repairs done elsewhere or after 10 working days — full retest fee applies
- The partial retest only covers items that originally failed
Tips to Pay Less
- Book online at national chains — online-only prices are often significantly cheaper
- Check Groupon and voucher sites before booking
- Bundle with a service — many garages discount both when booked together
- Ask independent garages directly — many will match or beat advertised prices
- Avoid peak times (March and September) when demand is highest