How Much Does an MOT Cost in Chester?

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Written by John Brookes, Director, Crane Bank Garage Chester

16th September 2026

One of the questions we get asked most often here at Crane Bank Garage is how much an MOT costs in Chester. It is a fair question, and one that I am always happy to answer clearly, because honest, straightforward advice is something we have built this garage on over the last 50 years.

Here is everything you need to know about MOT pricing in Chester.

Is there a maximum MOT price?

Yes, and this surprises a lot of people. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) sets a legal maximum fee that any garage in the UK can charge for an MOT.

For a standard car (Class 4), that maximum is £54.85. No garage in Chester, whether that is on Sealand Road, Hoole Road or anywhere else in the city, is legally allowed to charge more than this.

At Crane Bank Garage we charge £54.85 for a car MOT, and we include a free 14-day retest as standard. So if your car does not pass first time, we will retest it at no extra cost as long as you bring it back within 14 days.

Can garages in Chester charge less than £54.85?

Yes, some garages do offer promotional MOT prices below the maximum. It is worth bearing in mind that a cheaper MOT does not always mean a better experience. Some garages use a low MOT price as a way of getting cars through the door and then recommend repairs that are not always necessary.

I have been running Crane Bank Garage since 1974 and my approach has never changed. We give every customer an honest assessment of their vehicle and we never recommend work that is not genuinely needed. As one of our Chester customers told us recently: “Always 5 star service, fair and simple pricing, you can trust the Crane Bank team always.”

What does the MOT price include at Crane Bank?

When you bring your car to us for its MOT on Hartford Way, your £54.85 includes:

  • A full MOT inspection carried out by our DVSA authorised testers
  • A clear explanation of any pass, fail or advisory items
  • Small items such as bulbs and wiper blades replaced at no extra labour cost if needed on the day
  • A free 14-day retest if your vehicle does not pass first time
  • A free annual MOT reminder service so you never miss your renewal date
  • Complimentary coffee, newspapers and TV in our waiting room if you choose to stay

How long does an MOT take in Chester?

At Crane Bank Garage most MOTs are completed in under an hour with our while-you-wait service. One of our customers summed it up perfectly: “Dropped car off and within the hour it was all done and ready to collect.”

We test cars Monday to Friday by appointment from our garage on Hartford Way, just off Sealand Road. Afternoon slots are often available at short notice, which is useful if you are dropping children at school on Blacon or coming in from Saughall or Handbridge during the day.

What about MOT prices for vans in Chester?

We also test Class 5 and Class 7 vehicles, including long wheelbase vans and minibuses, at the same DVSA maximum rate. This is something that comes up a lot with the private hire and taxi drivers we work with in Chester, many of whom need two MOTs a year and appreciate knowing exactly what they will be charged each time.

Book your Chester MOT today

Crane Bank Garage is based at Hartford Way, Sealand Road, Chester, CH1 4NT, just a short drive from Blacon, Saughall, Handbridge, Curzon Park and Westminster Park. We have been serving Chester drivers since 1974 and I would love to look after your car too.

Call us on 01244 317191 or book online here.