IMI seeks frontline insights and opinions on MOT test fees

Survey designed to gather evidence ahead of industry roundtable

Committed to representing the entire automotive workforce, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has launched a survey to gather insights on recruitment, retention, operating costs, investment requirements and future workforce challenges for organisations that offer MOT test services. The research is designed to provide important insight for the industry roundtable to be hosted by the IMI and DVSA on 21st October 2026.  

Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI said: “There is a difficult balance to strike in MOT test pricing. Garages need to be able to cover rapidly rising costs and more complex tests, while drivers need the price to remain affordable. If prices are not accessible, it will bring about serious vehicle safety issues that increase risk on UK roads.

“The IMI is already working with the industry to resolve the challenges. Our roundtable event will bring together trade associations, road safety organisations and other stakeholders to discuss the way forward. To find a solution that is fair to all parties, we need an accurate picture of the current situation and the challenges faced by garages, so we are reaching out to any organisation or individual directly involved in MOT testing and asking for their opinions and experiences. Their insights will inform our roundtable discussions as well as future lobbying activity.”

Hosted in partnership with the DVSA, the roundtable will examine the economic challenges currently faced by MOT garages, as well as the increasing requirement for investment in equipment and skills for new automotive technologies such as EVs and ADAS. The survey from the IMI will assess future workforce resilience and labour demand, discover parts of the network that may be more vulnerable or strategically important and provide evidence of whether and how the MOT fee needs to be reassessed.

To participate in the survey visit this website.