Over here in France we get the Controle technique once every two years. Apparently there are more 'checks' than the 'old' UK MOT, not sure exactly what mind.
The cost is fixed & my last one was 60€. The good thing is that the test centres are purely that. No repairs, no servicing, just the test. So no gain in failing anything.
That said, they are not all 'reliable'. I have always used the same centre. They are apparently quite 'strict', but they do take time to explain if they fail & will take me down the pit to show me & will offer advise on how to repair if needed. A few years back they 'advised' on one of my Volvo 240's rear axle bushes being perished. Soon after it was 'clonking'. I did the rounds of local garages, but none wanted to know saying, "special Volvo tools are needed" (yes I know that's rubbish but it is how things are here). One garage asked me why I wanted it done. I told him advisory on CT an that it would, no doubt fail next time. He asked me where I went for the CT. After telling him he said, "Oh don't go there they are too strict take it to the on in ***** tell them I sent you & they'll pass that no problem" . He even gave me his card to show them!
I replaced both bushes with poly-inserts & continue to use my local 'strict' centre
