The maximum service charge, or pit fee, for annual test of a coach or bus at an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) will rise to £90 from 6 July as expected, DVSA has confirmed.
It consulted on increases to service charges for coaches and buses, HGVs and trailers in late-2025. July’s rises will be the first since 2010. They reflect the higher running costs encountered by owners of ATFs and a need by those parties to update equipment on an ongoing basis.
The change was also described within the consultation as helping to keep the ATF network sustainable by encouraging new ATFs, where additional capacity and choice will benefit operators.
Currently the maximum service charge for a coach or bus is £70. The service charge sits alongside a statutory test fee of up to £128. DVSA noted in the consultation document that had the service charge increased in line with the consumer price index since 2010, it would currently stand at £108.
There is no obligation on ATFs to charge the full amount, and DVSA has suggested that in some cases, vehicle operators “may see little or no change in what you pay for testing services.”
It describes the rise as a “measured and moderate” step that is necessary to sustain the ATF network. “Our aim is to ensure that you continue to benefit from accessible, consistent and high-quality testing services through a reliable ATF network,” the Agency adds.
While a detailed summary of consultation responses will be published in due course, DVSA says that 634 submissions were received. Most supported increasing the maximum service charge, including 99% of ATF operators, 95% of those who are ATF and vehicle operators, and 62% of vehicle operators.
Upon publication of the consultation, the ATF Operators Association – which represents around 400 ATFs – supported the proposed increases to service charges, describing them as “about right,” although it called on DVSA to committee to an ongoing annual review.
Potential to do that was included within consultation questions, although nothing has yet been said about whether it will be adopted.
