Garages are arguing that the price of an MOT test should be heavily increased as the government begins a review into the £54.85 fee cap, established 15 years ago.
However, there are also concerns among some garages that increasing the fee too much will put off drivers and start a price war that will be fiercer than the one seen today.
That's because some centres are willing to take a heavy loss on each test as it is one of the few ways of attracting new customers.
The review was sparked by a petition from the Independent Garages Association (IGA), which argued that an increase was needed to reflect rising business costs.
"This review represents a crucial opportunity to secure a fairer, more sustainable framework for MOT testing that reflects the real costs faced by garages," said IGA CEO Stuart James.
It's unclear what the new test fee will be , but in its current review of MOT charges for HGVs, buses and trailers, the Department for Transport says the fee for these vehicles is likely to rise by around 10%. If applied to car tests, this would equate to a new cap of £59.85.
However, garages are calling for a higher cap. "To cover costs, the test fee should be about £70," a spokesman for one independent workshop, which wished to remain anonymous, told Autocar.
He added: "On top of paying the tester nearly an hour's wages per MOT, if a garage hasn't got an automated test lane, [they need to pay an assistant as well. Then there are extra costs associated with the equipment we have to use and the safety procedures required by the DVSA."
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