The cost of running a car has changed considerably over the past few years, but there’s one motoring cost that has remained unchanged for more than a decade: the maximum MOT test fee.
Garages and industry bodies have been calling for changes to MOT pricing, arguing that the current fee no longer reflects the cost of carrying out the test.
So, could drivers soon be paying more for their MOT and what could it mean for those driving an electric car through Lease Electric?
Why are garages calling for higher MOT fees?
The maximum fee for a standard Class 4 car MOT is currently £54.85 and has remained at that level since 2010.
Over the same period, garages have seen their operating costs increase significantly. From energy and staffing to training, equipment and compliance, the cost of running an MOT testing station today looks very different to when the current maximum fee was introduced.
This has led to growing calls from within the automotive industry for MOT pricing to be reviewed.
For garages, the argument is that MOT pricing needs to better reflect the real cost of providing a thorough, professional vehicle safety inspection.
For drivers, however, any increase would represent another cost to factor into running a car.
What could an MOT price increase mean for motorists?
At the moment, there has been no confirmed increase to the maximum Class 4 MOT fee, so drivers can still be charged no more than £54.85 for the test itself.
However, the discussion highlights something that’s becoming increasingly important for motorists: the cost of a car isn’t just the amount you pay to buy or finance it.
Servicing, maintenance, tyres, breakdown cover, insurance, road tax and, once the vehicle is old enough, MOTs can all contribute to the true cost of keeping a car on the road.
And when individual motoring costs rise, budgeting for them can become increasingly difficult.
Why include Maintenance cover in your lease?
This is where having maintenance included within your vehicle package can make a real difference.
With Lease Electric’s EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme, routine servicing and maintenance are included alongside other motoring essentials, helping to make the monthly cost of running your electric car much more predictable.
MOT Tests are included too, should your vehicle fall into the category that requires one during your lease.
Most new cars require their first MOT once they reach three years old. So, depending on the length of your lease and the age of the vehicle, an MOT may not be required at all. But if your car does require one during the relevant period of your agreement, the MOT test is covered as part of the optional maintenance package.
If your MOT identifies work needed to keep your vehicle roadworthy, such as worn brakes or other items that fall within normal maintenance and fair wear and tear, these could also be covered under the funder’s servicing and maintenance package. So, an MOT doesn’t necessarily mean an unexpected repair bill. Exclusions will apply for damage, neglect or misuse.
That means one less bill to budget for and less exposure to changes in MOT pricing if costs do increase in the future.
Find out more about Maintenance Packages
Are MOTs included in an EV Salary Sacrifice scheme?
One of the biggest benefits of choosing an electric car through salary sacrifice is knowing what’s included from the start.
With Lease Electric, your package can bring together your brand-new electric car with comprehensive insurance, routine servicing and maintenance, tyres, road tax, breakdown cover and MOTs where required.
Instead of arranging and paying for these separately, they're brought together into one convenient monthly salary sacrifice.
And because payments are taken from your gross salary, you can also make Income Tax and National Insurance savings, making salary sacrifice one of the most cost-effective ways to drive a brand-new electric car.