MOT and Service Cost Estimator
Estimate your yearly MOT and service bill — the MOT fee is capped at £54.85 for a car. Add a basic, interim or full service and a repair buffer to see your annual total.
MOT & service estimate
DVSA MOT cap £54.85 (car).
A guide only — service and repair prices vary by garage. The MOT cap is set by the DVSA (GOV.UK MOT fees).
What the MOT and a service cost
Once your car is three years old it needs an annual MOT — a legal roadworthiness test. The fee is capped by the DVSA at £54.85 for a car (£29.65 for a motorcycle), and many garages charge less, especially if you also book a service. A service is not a legal requirement but keeps the car reliable; costs range from around £100 for a basic service to £300 for a major one.
The MOT can't legally cost more than £54.85 for a car. Add a typical full service (~£190) and you're around £245 a year before any repairs — most drivers budget £200–£400 a year all in, more for older cars.
Typical UK service prices
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| MOT (car, capped) | up to £54.85 |
| Interim / basic service | £80–£130 |
| Full service | £150–£250 |
| Major service (every 2 yrs) | £250–£400 |
Source: MOT fee from GOV.UK — MOT test fees; service prices are typical garage ranges.
Plan your whole car budget
MOT and servicing are only part of running a car. Add the running cost of your journeys with the fuel cost calculator, then bring your annual maintenance figure into the budget calculator to see the true monthly cost of keeping your car on the road.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an MOT in the UK?
The maximum MOT fee set by the DVSA is £54.85 for a standard car and £29.65 for a motorcycle. Many garages charge less than the cap, and some offer a free MOT when you book a service.
What is the difference between a basic, interim and full service?
An interim (or basic) service covers oil, filter and key safety checks, typically £80–£130. A full service is more thorough, around £150–£250. A major service every two years adds items like spark plugs and is dearer still. Prices vary by garage and car.
Is the MOT fee the same everywhere?
The £54.85 figure is a legal maximum, not a fixed price. Garages can charge less, so it is worth shopping around. The test checks the same items wherever you go, as the standard is set nationally by the DVSA.
Do I need an MOT and a service?
An MOT is a legal annual test of roadworthiness once a car is three years old. A service is not a legal requirement but keeps the car reliable and maintains its value and warranty. Many people book both together each year.
How much should I budget for car maintenance a year?
Allowing for an MOT plus a service and the odd repair, many drivers budget around £200–£400 a year, more for older or higher-mileage cars. This estimator lets you add your own service type and a repair buffer.