‘I’m a car expert - here’s how I got an MOT test for just £4.99'

The annual MOT test, an annual legal requirement that can send chills down the spine of road users across the country. With average DVSA MOT fees at £54.95, road users then have the agonising hour or so to wait to find out what the damage is this year. If you've looked after your petrol or diesel vehicle, regularly maintained it and kept on top of the service history, a pass should be a formality.

However, cash-strapped road users running day to day will likely be more concerned of falling the wrong side of the safety check. These are vital assessments used to determine whether a car is safe and legal on the road and one of the most important elements of motoring.

However, a bill to make your car road legal is still likely to sting whatever the impact.

But, what if there was a way to lower the cost and get an MOT test for less than the cost of a pint of beer.

In August 2023, I found just the answer with one of the UK’s most well known motoring brands, Halfords, offering a major discount.

Road users can sign up to Halfords Motoring Club Premium for just £4.99 or an annual fee of £49.

This gives drivers a range of benefits and incentives including discounted car parts and a 10-point car check.

However, one of the major selling points is a free MOT test which can be booked at participating garages at any available slot.

It took me just minutes to sign up, pay a one-month charge and book an annual MOT test completely free of charge.

There is no minimum sign-up period meaning road users can cancel their subscription whenever they like.

I decided to keep my Premium membership active for a few months afterwards and secured hefty discounts when repairs were needed on my Alfa Romeo MiTo soon after.

In a previous statement to Express.co.uk, Halfords revealed that around 2.5million people had now signed up to the scheme.

A Halfords spokesperson commented: "We take great pride in the success of our Halfords Motoring Club, specifically designed to cater to the needs of motorists.

“Through this initiative, we’ve played a significant role in helping drivers to ensure their journeys are safe and uninterrupted. By offering cost-effective car servicing and maintenance alternatives, we're supporting motorists across the UK.”