Driving advice
Are you overpaying for your MOT?
Tempcover research finds nearly 2 in 5 drivers don’t know the cost for common MOT failures
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 09/01/2026
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 09/01/2026
Have you ever been shocked by the cost of a repair following an MOT failure? You’re not alone.
A recent Tempcover survey of 2,000 drivers found nearly 2 in 5 drivers are unsure how much it costs to fix at least one of the most common MOT failures - and nearly a quarter put off fixing an advisory due to the cost.
The RAC lists the most common MOT fails, based on DVSA data, as:
All vehicles are legally required to pass an MOT test when they are three years old and then on an annual basis. An MOT test ensures your vehicle is roadworthy and flags any issues, categorising defects as:
Your car will fail its MOT with one or more dangerous or major faults. You must repair and retest to drive legally. If you fail an MOT, you can only drive your car on a public road if you’re heading to a garage for a prebooked MOT test or repairs.
MOT advisories fall into the minor category, meaning your car will probably pass but you should look into fixing the issue before it causes trouble further down the road.
It’s important to check MOT advisories to stay safe and roadworthy. While it may be tempting to ignore them, you could run into trouble - with a potentially hefty price to pay. Delaying fixing a simple advisory like replacing a worn brake pad (which could ruin a disc) can significantly increase your bill.
There is a disparity between what UK drivers expect to pay to fix an MOT failure and what they actually end up paying. Our research shows that although a lack of knowledge can lead to overpaying, some drivers tend to overestimate the cost of certain fixes.
Driver estimate for average price | Average price of repair | |
Tyre replacement | £104.48 | £56 (for a single budget tyre)[1] |
Brake pad replacement | £142.58 | Between £99.85 and £134.95[2] |
Wiper replacement | £55.95 | £19 (single) to £38 (pair)[3] |
Headlight replacement | £52.31 | £68[4] |
Coil spring replacement | £161.93 | £177 (rear springs) to £275 (front springs)[5] |
All car makes and models are different, so costs will vary depending on the vehicle and garage.
To book an MOT, call a local garage or book via a website. Many garages provide special discounts or offers, especially if you book together with a service, and may also offer free retests if you use them to fix the failures or advisories.
It costs up to £54.85 (the legal maximum fee) for an MOT test. If you’re quoted more than £54.85, the garage is breaking the law.
Make a note of when your MOT is due or use the government’s MOT reminder service to get an automatic notification. Halfords notes that ‘An MOT can be carried out up to one month, minus a day, prior to the expiry date of your existing MOT certificate’. This preserves the anniversary of the expiry date, meaning if you book a month before your MOT is effectively valid for 13 months.
The results of our survey also show 36% of drivers never shop around and always use the same garage for their MOTs. If you get a quote and feel something is off or that you may be overpaying, you can get a second opinion from another garage or research average costs across motoring websites and Reddit etc.
The AA confirms a mechanic will check the following during the hour-long MOT test:
You can also read the MOT inspection manual on gov.uk.
Want to avoid failing an MOT on something that could have been easily avoided? Here’s our MOT checklist to help prepare for your test.
Other preparation tips for MOTs include:
Defective airbags and leaking batteries can also result in failing an MOT. If your engine management dashboard warning light turns on, this will be an automatic fail as it’s classed as a major fault. Check all these well ahead of your next test.
If your car fails its MOT and there’s a delay in waiting for the correct parts or you just need more time to get more quotes from other garages, you can still get around with temporary car insurance.
Comprehensive as standard, it allows you to borrow a car from a friend or family member for a few days and get around with complete peace of mind - and no impact on their no claims bonus.
https://www.gov.uk/transport/mots
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-checklist-vt-29
https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/mot-test-fees
https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/car-mot-test-checklist
https://www.theaa.com/mot/advice/what-is-checked-during-an-mot
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mots/
https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/mot-checklist/
https://www.kwik-fit.com/mot/information/mot-pre-checks
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/most-common-mot-fails/
This online survey of 2,000 UK drivers was commissioned by RVU on behalf of Tempcover and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 12th and 16th September 2025. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council. Unless otherwise specified, all insights are drawn directly from this survey’s results.
[1]The averages of the lowest and highest prices for budget tyres were taken from both sources, then combined to produce an overall average.
https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/tyre-change-cost/
[2]The lowest cost of rear brake pads was used to represent the minimum price drivers might pay, while the highest cost of front brake pads shows the maximum they could expect to pay for replacing one set. https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/brake-pad-replacement-cost/
[3]The average range from both Caura.com and Checkatrade.com were taken and combined to produce an overall average for one wiper. This was multiplied by two to get the cost of replacing both wipers.
[4]The average range from both RAC.co.uk and Motorway.co.uk were taken and combined to produce an overall average for the cost to replace a headlight.
[5]https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/how-much-cost-replace-coil-springs/
The average price of MOT advisories depends on the issue, type of vehicle, and the garage itself (for labour and part costs). Tempcover used established sources including Checkatrade, RAC and Motorway.co.uk to establish the prices for tyres (£56), brake pads (£99.85 to £134.95), wipers (£19 to £38), headlights (£68) and coil springs (£177 to £275).
You cannot drive your car on a public road after failing an MOT. The only exceptions are if you are driving to a pre-booked MOT test or an appointment for repairs.
There is no grace period for MOTs. Driving with an expired MOT certificate is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000, points on your licence and potentially insurance invalidation. Your vehicle could also be impounded.
Related tags:
Temporary Car Insurance
