5 Ways to Save Money When You Book an MOT 

Every year, millions of drivers across the UK face that familiar moment — the MOT reminder drops through the letterbox or lands in your inbox, and you immediately start wondering how much it’s going to cost. Between the test itself, any repairs that crop up, and the general hassle of sorting it all out, it can feel like an expensive headache. The good news? There are some genuinely simple ways to keep the cost down without cutting corners on your car’s safety. 

1. Book Early and Look for Online Discounts 
 
When you’re ready to book an MOT, don’t just call the first garage you find. Many garages offer lower rates if you book online in advance —often saving you £10–£20. Spend five minutes comparing local options before you commit. 

2. Choose a Reputable Garage that offers Transparent Pricing 

This is where so many people go wrong — opting for the cheapest possible test, only to be hit with inflated repair quotes afterwards. A trusted, well-reviewed garage will give you honest results and fair pricing. Book your MOT today at North West Tyres and get a complete vehicle inspection for safety, performance, and peace of mind. Choosing a garage you can rely on means no nasty surprises and no pressure to approve unnecessary work. 
 
3. Do a Basic Pre-MOT Check Yourself 

If you want a simple way to cut costs before you book your MOT, you can do a few simple checks at home. Walk around your vehicle and check things like tyre tread depth, windscreen wipers and all your lights, and whether the number plate is clean and clearly visible. Many MOT failures are caused by minor issues which can often be fixed at home in just a few minutes and at little or no cost. 

4. Book your MOT at the right time 

If you’ve got more than a month left on your car’s MOT, you can book your MOT up to a month in advance without losing any time on your certificate. The new expiry date will be calculated from the day the old one was due, not the day of the test. You could time it around your payday, avoid busy periods, and maybe even benefit from seasonal discounts. 
 
5. Keep Up with Regular Servicing 

Spending money to save money may sound like a paradox at first, but it actually works. Well maintained cars are far less likely to pick up a long list of advisories, let alone fail. Fixing small issues as they arise is usually much cheaper than dealing with several problems on MOT day. If your garage discovers a small issue during a service, you can often have it resolved straight away before you book your MOT. 

You don’t have to see the MOT as an unwanted cost. If you prep a bit, plan wisely, and pick up the right garage, you are sure to notice a significant change in the amount you will be charged. Keeping your car in good condition throughout the year means MOT day is much less of a hassle and often much cheaper too.