Setting up an MOT testing station can cost between £9,795 and £34,995, or more. Class 1 & 2 MOT Bays tend to be the cheapest to set up, followed by Class 4 MOT Bays for testing cars, and the most expensive are Class 7 MOT Bays for larger commercial vehicles.
Class 1 and 2 MOT Bays
These MOT bays are designed for testing motorcycles but can also be used for a motorcycle and sidecar, with engine sizes up to 200cc. The basic equipment required for these bays includes:
The average cost of setting up a Class 1 or 2 MOT bay ranges from £9,795 to £13,995.
Class 4 MOT Bays
These bays cater to a wider range of vehicles, including cars, caravans, passenger vehicles, ambulances and up to 12-person vehicles with a design gross weight of up to 3,000 kg. The essential equipment required for Class 4 bays includes:
The larger of the MOT bays are equipped to handle the bigger and heavier vehicles, including lorries, buses, and coaches.
If you have a Class 7 MOT bay, you can also work on Class 4 vehicles, thus making your MOT testing station capable of earning even more money from the wider range of vehicles that you can test, and as such the equipment required for Class 7 bays is very similar to that of the Class 4 MOT Bay, and includes:
An MOT Bay with Inspection Pit is an increasingly popular alternative for garages with limited ceiling height for a 4-post lift, or those looking for a more cost-effective entry point, as an MOT bay with pit can often work out cheaper than with an MOT lift.
Why Choose an MOT Pit Over a Lift?
Choosing a pit-based MOT bay offers several strategic advantages:
Reduced Initial Investment: Because you aren’t purchasing a heavy-duty 4-post or scissor lift, the upfront equipment cost is often lower. Class 4 Pit Bays typically start from around £17,435, while Class 7 Pit Bays start from approximately £20,000.
Space & Height Efficiency: If your workshop has a low ceiling that cannot accommodate a vehicle raised on a lift, an inspection pit is often the only way to achieve DVSA approval.
Durability & Maintenance: Pits have no moving parts or hydraulic seals to wear out, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs than mechanical garage lifts.
Faster Throughput: Technicians can move in and out of a pit quickly, and there is no “wait time” for a lift to rise or descend, which can improve the efficiency of your MOT testing volume.
Set up your MOT Bay with Concept Garage Equipment
Concept Garage Equipment, a leading provider of MOT bay equipment and services, offers comprehensive support to aspiring MOT testing station owners. Their expertise encompasses:
With Concept Garage Equipment as your partner, you can navigate the complexities of setting up an MOT testing station with confidence, ensuring a smooth, successful transition into this highly profitable industry.
Call us today on 01302 203 888 today, we are here to help.
