Did You Know That Council Run MoT Centres Are a Thing?

Yep, it’s true. Some Councils actually run MoT test centres – who knew? Here’s the word;

Getting a vehicle through its MOT can be costly, especially when follow-up repairs are required. Some motorists may overspend due to unnecessary or premature advice issued by centres that profit from the work. 

Although the government has introduced measures to address the issue[1], fraudulent or dishonest testing facilitators continue to operate. One reliable alternative is lesser-known council-operated test centres, which often provide impartial advice. Since these centres don’t typically offer repairs, they have no financial incentive to recommend unnecessary work.

Car insurance experts at Uswitch recently investigated drivers’ awareness of council-run MOT test centres. The research also revealed how many UK councils offer the service, their average fees and what drivers who use them perceive as the main benefits.

Drivers are unaware that councils offer MOT tests

133 councils across the UK currently offer MOT tests for privately owned cars – 85 of these are in England, 17 in Scotland and 11 in Wales. Only 1 in 4 (25%) drivers are aware that local councils offer this service, highlighting the importance of educating motorists on their options.

Just 1 in 10 (11%) motorists surveyed have had an MOT test carried out through a council-run centre. Those who have used them cited benefits that reflect the centres’ impartiality. Nearly half (48%) said they find council-run MOT centres more trustworthy than garages or manufacturers, while over two-fifths (41%) appreciated that they only suggest necessary repairs and offer unbiased advice. Other top advantages noted included convenience and efficiency.

Drivers remain loyal to local garages

After learning that some local councils offer MOTs, one in three drivers (32%) said they would consider using this option in the future. Under a third (29%) would be unlikely to use council-run MOT centres, primarily because of their loyalty to an existing garage, with over half (56%) of respondents selecting this response.

Among those who were previously aware that some councils offered MOTs, but haven’t used their services, loyalty to their local garage was also the top reason. Other factors discouraging them included wanting to be able to get repairs done at the same place as the MOT test, and lacking the motivation to look into it.

Most local councils charge less than the maximum fee

Based on current rates, the average cost that local councils charge for an MOT test (on privately owned cars) is £49.36. Prices range from £37 to the maximum fee outlined by the government, of £54.85[2], which only 38 out of the 113 councils charge.

Out of the councils who were able to provide the exact data, from January – December 2024, those who carried out the most MOTs on privately owned cars were:

The number of MOTs performed by different councils will vary based on a variety of factors, including the number of local residents aware of their service offering. Resource availability also has an impact on the number of daily / weekly slots free, as well as the number of council vehicles that require servicing facilities.

Uswitch car insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, highlights key factors to consider when booking an MOT:

• “Ensure the test centre is authorised: The key consideration with MOTs is that you stay up-to-date with the annual test and have it performed at an authorised facility. Trustworthiness is a major factor for many drivers, with over one in five (22%) prioritising this when choosing a test centre. If you’re unsure about a location’s legitimacy, check that the official MOT sign[3] – a blue sign with three white triangles – is on display. The DVSA also publishes a list of test centres which is updated frequently.

• “Update your insurer: Most car insurance policies require a valid MOT certificate as a condition of coverage. It’s important to ensure your provider always has an up-to-date certificate on record. If you need to make a claim and they’re missing this information or it’s outdated, they may refuse to pay out.

• “Factor overall costs: If you’re concerned about the test cost, consider shopping around and comparing prices at different centres near you. When your car’s MOT is approaching, it’s wise to set money aside not just for the test itself, but also for any potential repairs that might be needed. It’s worth considering a local council test centre if available because they’re less likely to suggest unnecessary repairs, which will reduce overall costs. Following MOT advisories could also help you save in the long run, as addressing problems early can prevent them escalating and leading to more costly repairs down the line.”