How Much Does An M.O.T. Test Cost?
A Ministry of Transport Test (M.O.T) is a legal requirement in the U.K. for vehicles over three years old. The annual test must take place at an approved M.O.T test centre, and it examines the vehicle’s road-worthiness, ensuring it’s safe for public use, before granting a pass certificate.
If a vehicle fails the M.O.T test, a certificate isn’t granted, and the car can’t be taxed or insured without a valid M.O.T license.
During the MOT test, an examiner will inspect the following;
- Seats & Seat belts
- Doors
- Mirrors
- Brakes
- Tyres & Wheels
- Registration Plate
- Lights
- Wipers & Washers
- Windscreen
- Horn
- Steering & Suspension
- Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.)
- Electrics
- Exhaust
The RAC claims that the most common M.O.T failures, arise from lighting and signalling, contributing to 18.9% of total failures.
According to the Money Advice Service, the maximum fee for a car M.O.T test was £54.85. Some M.O.T test centres may charge as little as £25 for the examination, and some will even offer a free re-test if the vehicle fails to pass the first time. The average cost of the M.O.T test is claimed to be £33.63.
It’s stated that test centres which also operate as a servicing and repair garage may charge a low fee for the test itself, although, charge high rates for the repairs required to recoup their losses.
There are many minor issues which are cheap and fast fixes, although, can be quite costly when relying on a service centre. Changing a light bulb could cost up to £5 each and could be done at home in two minutes. Even ensuring that your wiper fluid is at a sufficient level can save you money.
With all the minor fixes taken into consideration, it’s stated that the average M.O.T repair bill costs £143. Further, it has been stated that independent garages charge an average of £45 per hour for repairs.
What Happens If My Vehicle Fails The M.O.T. Test?
In the instance of a M.O.T failure, you may or may not be required to book a completely new test.
If your vehicle fails and leaves the test centre for repairs, you won’t need a full re-test. The car will be re-tested on the areas it failed on, and this is called a partial re-test. As long as the partial re-test takes place within 10 working days from the failure, it’s completed for free.
The partial re-test is often free, although, it will depend on the parts which are being re-inspected. You can see the full list here;
A full M.O.T test can typically take 45 – 60 minutes to complete, whereas a partial re-test can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.
What Fines Can Arise from An Invalid M.O.T.?
If you fail to M.O.T your vehicle when it’s due, you could face an on the spot fine that ranges between £100 – £300. If you’re taken to court for an invalid M.O.T certificate, you could face a fine of £1000.
If your M.O.T certificate is invalid, you should only drive your vehicle when you’re going to have minor repairs fixed or attending a pre-booked M.O.T test. If you drive your car when it has dangerous faults and is in an unroadworthy condition, you could face a fine of £2,500 and may possibly get banned from driving.
As discussed, driving without an M.O.T could also mean that your insurance is no longer valid, resulting in a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points on your licence. If you’re taken to court for driving without insurance, due to an invalid M.O.T, you could be disqualified from driving and face an unlimited fine.
In conclusion, M.O.T tests can be a significant annual expense that varies. The cost of vehicle repairs, inspections and even possible fines can be crippling to road users.
What's The Solution?
With Contractcars.com you can lease a variety of vehicles and never have to worry about tax, M.O.T tests and the arising repair costs ever again!
We provide brand new lease vehicles which are M.O.T exempt for three years. Further, including road fund licences (Tax) for the duration of the contracts. Saving you an average of £176.63 on repairs and testing.
A manufacturer warranty protects many of our vehicles, with optional maintenance packages, easing consumer concerns regarding the cost of annual vehicle repairs.
Browse our range of M.O.T exempt vehicles and start saving today!
