12:19 pm, September 28, 2026
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has held its first meeting with Government officials as it continues to lobby for the MOT price cap to be lifted.
The body met with officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) last week and has now requested further talks with Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander.
It comes after the DVSA announced increases to MOT fees for busses, coaches, HGVs and trailers earlier in the year, despite but holding the cap on class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles.
The current MOT fee cap for class 4 vehicles has remained unchanged, at £54.85 since 2010.
The IGA, which is the largest trade association representing independent garages in the UK, says that MOT testing work is currently ‘unsustainable’ amid ‘additional cost pressures’ and ‘growing complexities’.
Car Dealer recently spoke to a number of garage owners, who admitted they could stop offering MOT tests altogether if things do not change.
IGA chief executive Stuart James says the organisation has also received a strong response from garages during its campaign.
He said: ‘The response we have received from both members and non-members has been overwhelming and demonstrates just how strongly the sector feels about this issue.
‘We are extremely grateful to everyone who has shared information and evidence of the challenges they face. Their experiences have helped us present a clear and compelling case to Government.
‘The reality is that this issue can no longer be kicked down the road. Garages cannot continue absorbing rising costs indefinitely while the MOT fee remains frozen.
‘We made that point very clearly during our discussions and will continue to press for action.’
The IGA says the meeting was an opportunity to present evidence from garages directly to Government and argue for a rise in the cap that reflects the rising costs facing businesses.
James added: ‘The IGA is unrelenting in its pursuit of a fair and sustainable increase to the MOT fee, and we will not stop until meaningful progress is made.’