The Independent Garage Association is calling for the MoT fee to be raised from its current £54.85 maximum to £90, a 64% hike.
It said garages are dealing with inflation and additional cost pressures relating to labour, rent, equipment, fuel, energy, compliance, administration and staff training.
Stuart James, chief executive of the IGA, said: “It is a fact that the current MOT fee has remained static for 16 years.
“We are being advised by garage owners that without a significant increase to the MOT fee, they cannot continue to sustain this ever-increasing cost burden.
“As the representative body for the independent garage sector, the IGA will continue to challenge the Government to deliver an acceptable resolution to this issue before it causes a level of consumer detriment.”
A recent survey of IGA members showed “strong support” across the independent garage sector for an increase to the MOT fee.
The IGA said the MOT fee has remained unchanged since 2010, while the costs of running a garage and delivering the test have risen substantially.
The call for a significant increase comes at a time when the government is under intense pressure to battle the high cost of living in the UK.
So far it has scrapped energy VAT, increased Universal Credits for some, introduced a £2 bus fare cap and a 20% business rate cut for pubs.
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