Small MOT test station
Run an approved MOT testing bay, on its own or alongside a small garage, for local drivers.
- £25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
8,155 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 71200 “Technical testing and analysis”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You operate an approved MOT test station with a testing bay and the required equipment. Qualified testers carry out the legal annual roadworthiness test, and many stations pair it with servicing and repairs.
Your first three steps
- Check the current DVSA requirements for approved test stations, including premises, equipment and the Authorised Examiner role
- Price up a suitable unit or existing garage and a full equipment quote, then build a cash flow forecast
- Arrange tester training and talk to local garages, fleets and lease firms about work you could win
Who pays
Local car and van owners, fleet operators and small businesses that need a valid test each year.
How it makes money
A test fee for each MOT (the maximum is set by government), plus follow-on repair, servicing and retest work that the test often leads to.
Skills that help
- Mechanical qualifications and experience
- Attention to detail and record keeping
- Running a small workshop and managing staff
- Customer service and clear explanations of faults
Watch out for
- DVSA approval is needed before you can test, and the process and site standards can take time, so check the latest rules
- Testers must be qualified and keep up required training and assessments
- Equipment must meet standards and be maintained and calibrated
- Garage insurance, public liability and employer's liability once you hire
- Check planning and lease terms for using premises as a workshop
- Waste oil and parts disposal, which may need correct handling and registration
- Significant upfront cost and slower start before bookings build
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: small MOT test station
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to set up an MOT test station?
Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on premises, testing equipment, fit-out and insurance. These are estimates, and there can be a slower start before bookings build, so plan your cash carefully.
What approvals and rules should I check for an MOT station?
Check DVSA approval, which is needed before you can test, as the process and site standards can take time. Also check tester qualifications and training, equipment standards, planning and lease terms, insurance and waste oil disposal.
How much can an MOT test station earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how many tests you carry out and whether you add servicing and repairs. Expect to work at least around 35 hours a week.
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