IAAF renews MOT increase calls to boost safety and standards

13 August 2025  

Fresh industry calls for a long-overdue increase in the MOT test fee have been made as part of a new campaign.

The IAAF said it is time to reset the aftermarket’s contract with consumers as part of a push to modernise the MOT and boost support for safety, air quality, rising standards and the right to repair for the independent automotive aftermarket.

While the aftermarket continues to demonstrate leadership in vehicle repair and maintenance, value for money and customer service, the MOT system must also evolve to reflect the complexity of modern vehicles and ensure they remain reliable and roadworthy throughout their lifespan, the IAAF said.

The current maximum fee a garage can charge for a car MOT test is £54.85. The IAAF believes this is now far too low for the significant time and investment garages must make to carry out a modern test.

The IAAF said it supports proposals to modernise the MOT, including the testing of exhaust particulate levels from both petrol and diesel vehicles, as well as functional checks on ADAS systems. 

‘Fair reform’

According to DVSA forecasts, MOT tests are expected to rise by 16% in September 2025 compared to the same month in 2024 – putting further pressure on testing stations.

Mark Field, IAAF chief executive (pictured), said: “The MOT test fee has remained frozen since 2010, despite the exponential growth of in-vehicle technology and related safety systems. In line with inflation alone, the test fee should now sit at around £90.

“If we are serious about ensuring vehicles stay roadworthy and emissions stay within safe limits, the fee must be increased. This will allow testing stations to continue delivering high standards and invest in the equipment and training needed to test today’s increasingly complex vehicle systems.”

Field said the IAAF will continue to lobby government on behalf of its members to push for fair reform of the MOT system – one that recognises the scale of technological change and supports the sector’s vital role in keeping Britain moving safely.