How much do garages make on MOT?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will discuss: How much do garages make on MOT? We will explain what MOT is, what happens during a technical inspection and explain how you can reduce the costs of MOT.
How much do garages make on MOT?
Garages make an average of £54.85/per vehicle on MOT. The maximum fees are established by the government and you can find a complete list of prices in the table below.
MOT costs in the UK
Vehicle Type | Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee |
| Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80 |
| Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80 |
| 3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Quads (max unladen weight 400kg – for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30 |
| Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85 |
| Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55 |
| Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65 |
| Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65 |
| Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50 |
| Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50 |
| Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60 |
What is MOT?
MOT is a technical inspection of your vehicle to check if it is safe on the road and for the environment. If you want to know what will be checked at the MOT of your vehicle, see the lists below.
Vehicle identification – of which:
– license plates
– vehicle identification, chassis or serial number
– manufacturer’s plate
– vehicle presentation condition
– motor energy.
Braking equipment – including:
– service brake pedal pivot
– parking brake control
– brake linings or pads
– emergency brake performance
– automatic braking corrector
– anti-lock braking system (ABS)
– brake fluid.
Direction – of which:
– condition of the steering gearbox or rack
– condition of the steering wheelhouse
– power steering
– steering column and damper
– game in the direction …
Visibility – of which:
– field of view
– condition of the glazing
– wiper
– windshield washer
– rearview mirror
– Demisting system.
Lighting and signalling equipment – including:
– the working condition of the headlights
– headlights
– Redlights
– sidelights
– fog lights
– distress signal
– warning triangle
– rear and side reflector
– lighting and signalling control
– electrical connections between the towing vehicle and the trailer
– immobilizer.
Ground connection – of which:
– axles
– wheel bearing
– stabilization springs
– shock absorbers
– tires
– suspension ball joints.
Structure and bodywork – including:
– general condition of the chassis
– fuel tank and lines
– transmission
– motor support
– hood
– bumpers
– floor.
Equipment – including:
– seats
– seat belts
– airbag
– buzzer
– speed indicator
– odometer
– electronic security control.
Mechanical components – of which:
– engine
– gearbox
– bridge
– transfer box
– fuel circuit
– carburettor
– exhaust manifold
– traction batteries
– exhaust silencer.
Pollution and noise level – including:
– noise reduction system
– opacity of the exhaust fumes
– loss of fluids
– on-board diagnostic device (OBD).
What happens during an MOT check?
There are nine functions checked in approved centres such as, for example, braking devices, steering, visibility and safety components, lights and electrical equipment. These include in particular the specific equipment for electric and hybrid engines.
No notice is sent since the technical control is at the initiative of the owner, so check the maintenance booklet of your motorhome for follow-up. Once the technical inspection has been carried out, a report is given to the owner in which he mentions the results obtained, the validity limit of the technical inspection and the date of the next inspection.
The inspector then affixes a stamp on the registration card indicating the result of the technical control as well as its deadline. The “letter A” indicates a favourable result while the letters “S” and “R” respectively indicate an unfavourable result for major failures and critical failures.
The points of failure are now divided into 3 levels:
- Minor failures: they do not require a follow-up.
- Major failures: repairs are necessary with a check-up within 2 months.
- Critical failures: the motorhome is prohibited from driving except on the day of the technical control and it is also subject to a second inspection within 2 months.
For the technical inspection of motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes, the recreational vehicle is
considered to be a heavy vehicle. As a result, the technical control will not be the same as that for motorhomes weighing less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes.
In this specific case, the technical inspection of so-called “heavy” vehicles must be carried out between 6 months and one year after the date of first entry into service for the 1st technical inspection and then every year.
Tips to reduce the cost of MOT
Apart from the geographical tariff differences, there are several solutions to reduce the cost of its technical control:
- use price comparators;
- check with your auto insurer. It is possible that the latter has partnerships with control establishments. In this case, by going there, reductions on the price of the control may be offered
- take advantage of flash sales. Some technical inspection centres offer discounts at certain times of the year. In return for this price reduction, the motorist will not be able to choose his control window
- make an appointment during off-peak hours. Some centres offer lower prices during specific time slots, often the least requested (for example in the middle of the day)
- To avoid the cost of a second inspection, do a pre-inspection yourself by analyzing the points that may be the subject of a technical inspection refusal. Some garages can carry out this pre-check before taking your vehicle to the technical check
Conclusions
The price of the MOT varies according to the centres and regions. However, the average price is £54.85 and it rarely will cost you more. The control includes vehicle identification elements (license plates, documents, etc.), braking equipment, steering and visibility equipment, various lights and reflective devices, and the condition of the tires.
On each of the control points, the controller can assign one of the following three failure levels, if applicable:
- minor fault: a fault has been observed, but it cannot compromise the safety of the vehicle or the environment,
- major failure: a defect has been observed, and it may have an impact on the safety of the driver or other road users, or be harmful to the environment,
- critical failure: a defect has been observed, and it constitutes an immediate and direct danger.
Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or tips on how to improve this article.
FAQ on How much do garages make on MOT?
What happens in the event of an MOT failure?
If the controller detects the slightest “major” or “critical” failure, the technical inspection is not validated. The consequences are different between major failures and critical failures.
Will I receive a notice for the MOT of my motorhome?
No. No summons is sent for the MOT of your motorhome. You must take the initiative for the technical inspection of your motorhome. A little tip: its expiry date is mentioned on the registration certificate, like on a “classic” car.
Do caravans have to have an MOT?
Caravans do not need to have an MOT, still as owner, you must ensure that your vehicle is safe to travel and live in. Annual inspections of the caravan’s gas, water and electrical systems are more than recommended. These are important parts for your safety, for the safety of other road users and for the environment.
References
- MOT test charges: Do the garages make any money? | Motoring …
- How much does an MOT cost the station? – Page 1 – General …
- How Much Does an MOT Cost? | ATS Euromaster
