Book an MOT in Canterbury

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Canterbury?

At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience in helping UK drivers. We offer MOTs from RAC Approved Garages to make sure you’re getting an honest, reliable inspection at a fair price. Our trusted mechanics will make sure your vehicle is operating safely and effectively. You’ll get results you can rely on, at a price you can afford.

We also offer a full and interim car service in Canterbury.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

MOT

An MOT test checks if your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. Cars over 3 years old must pass an MOT test every year.

Lights and signalling

Check lights, indicators, and reflectors.

Brakes and tyres

Test brakes and examine tyre condition.

Steering and suspension

Inspect for wear and proper operation.

Exhaust and emissions

Measure emissions and check the exhaust system.

Visibility

Check mirrors, windscreen, wipers, and washers.

RAC Mobile Mechanic under the wheel arch of a white car

Full service

Get your car MOT-ready. Book a service with an RAC Mobile Mechanic. We’ll make sure your car’s safe and working correctly. Depending on your vehicle, it can take up to an hour and a half, but not to worry – we come to you. We recommend getting serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Road test

Before and after the service, we’ll run a general road test to detect if anything feels or sounds unusual and to make sure there aren’t any new problems.

Under the bonnet

- Battery and charging system check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change – Fuel filter check – Air filter replacement – Power steering fluid top-up

Exterior checks

– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up

Safety feature checks

– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts

Full diagnostic check

We’ll plug into your onboard engine management systems using our specialist diagnostic computer. We’ll then run a full engine management system check, looking for electrical issues and any problems flagged up by the electric control units on the engine, the power steering, transmission, sensors and more.

And it’s not just MOTs that we do in Canterbury

Repairs
Whatever you need, we’ve got a repairs service you can rely on. Looking to get your brake pads and discs fixed at home? RAC Mobile Mechanics come to you. Need more in-depth work done at a garage? Choose an RAC Approved Garage to get quality work at honest prices.

Car Service
MOT coming up? Not to worry. Get ready with a full service from RAC Mobile Mechanics. We come to you at work or home, so you can relax as we service your car in your driveway. We recommend getting serviced once a year, or every 12,000 miles.

Nearby RAC Approved Garages

View all garages

Westwood Mot, Tyre & Service Centre Ltd

5.0/5

We are one of Thanet's newest vehicle service centres, aiming to provide a main dealer service at local garage prices. Our staff have many years experience at main dealer level, giving you the assurance and confidence that your vehicle is in very safe hands. Westwood Service Centre has been set up by former employees of Palm Bay Garage and is now headed up and owned by David Locke who has over 25 years of award winning experience within the Aftersales environment for customer delivery and satisfaction. David aims to follow on from what Palm Bay's many loyal customers had come to expect albeit at a lower price - as not being tied to one manufacturer enables us to be in full control of our costs.

Unit 3-4 Goodwin Park, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, CT94HX

Pdrservices

5.0/5

we are a small independent garage located in teynham lynsted we offer all aspects of work from gearbox repairs auto and manual to full servicing and repair plus mots

Unit 4, Vicarage Farm Trading Estate, Teynham, ME90RL

A1 Motorist Centre

4.9/5

A1 Motorist Centre was first established in 2005 moving to our present site in late 2006. Our aim is to offer the latest technology that the motor industry can offer, combined with good old fashioned values and excellent customer care. We offer you a clean comfortable reception / waiting area with complimentary refreshments, free Wi-Fi internet connection and toilet facilities (this also includes disabled access). From here you will have a full view of the workshops so that you can watch as we work. We offer many services and our advice is free and impartial. We are members of the Good Garage Scheme and the Motor Industry Codes of Practice.

Unit 2, Patricia Way, Industrial Estate, Broadstairs, CT10 2LE

All Vehicle Services (Kent) Ltd

4.6/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind We cover the XY, YZ and QQ postcode areas and offer courtesy cars as well as a free collection and delivery service”

Unit 5A, Brickmakers Estate, Sittingbourne, ME10 3RL

RLC auto repairs

4.4/5

Local, family-run, and experienced mechanics. RLC Auto Repairs is a hardworking, family run motor mechanic, offering a professional and customer focused service to each and every customer in Kent and surrounds. Our services include brakes, cambelts, diagnostics, MOTs, car serving and more. During the summer months we offer a mobile car mechanic service to those in Kent and surrounding areas - offering you amazing convenience at a competitive price. RLC Auto Repairs also offer engine remapping services to enhance your engine's fuel efficiency and overall performance - available both in the garage and at your home. Courtesy Cars available - 25p per mile enquire within

47 Bayford Road Sittingbourne Kent Me103ad, Sittingbourne, ME103AD

Horizon Motor Group Ltd.

4.4/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind. We cover Wingham and surrounding areas and also offer courtesy cars and a free collection and delivery service.

Canterbury, Wingham, CT31NL

GJB Autos

4.2/5

Welcome to GJB Autos, we are a garage conveniently located on Littlestone Road New Romney. We serve the local community of the Romney Marsh and surrounding areas. We are proud to have been established since 1975, in North Street New Romney and moving to our current premises in Littlestone Road in 2015. GJB Autos have built a great reputation providing a professional and friendly service to all our customers. It’s important to regularly maintain and check your car, not only for your safety and the safety of drivers around you but it will also help to sell your car in the future with a comprehensive service history. GJB Autos offer a comprehensive range of services at our service center including engine diagnostics, servicing, brakes, tyres, air conditioning, ECU remapping and much more. With many years experience in the industry, we can carry out servicing on all makes and models of vehicle. GJB Autos is a VOSA approved MOT testing centre for class 1,2, and 4 and a registered member of the GoodGarageScheme.com RMI, Autofirst Network, RAC Approved/Accredited, we guarantee quality and efficient work at reasonable prices every time.

8 Littlestone Road, New Romney, Romney Marsh, TN288PL

Westbere Garage

4.0/5

We are a quality-minded garage based in Canterbury. We are also the largest independent garage in Canterbury. Our customers are proud of the top quality, professional and friendly service that we offer. We pride ourselves in high customer satisfaction. This is why we are continually investing in a new technology training and equipment that enable us to deliver excellent service to our customers. Be rest assured, your car will be looked after by our highly qualified technicians. We offer the same quality level servicing that you would experience at the main dealer. But we offer you the personal touch, we are a family run business and pride ourselves in high customer satisfaction. By using Westbere Garage you will be treated as an individual, and you can rest assured with our company policy: “Top Quality Service, Nothing Less”

Island Rd, Hersden, Canterbury, CT34JD

A.T. Garage Services Ltd

3.7/5

Unit 2, Primrose Industrial Estate, Dover, CT17 0UP

Ivydene Ltd, Bosch Car Service

3.4/5

We are a family run business who have grown from strength to strength over the years, and are recognised by Bosch as a centre of excellence. Established in 1981, we have been Bosch agents for over 25 years. Our investment in the latest diagnostics equipment means we that we can offer specialised services for most makes and models of vehicle, including light commercial vehicles. We have some of the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment, ensuring you receive and expert service from our highly skilled technicians. We also are an MOT approved centre.

Unit 99 Ellingham Industrial Estate Way, Ellingham Way, Ashford, TN23 6LZ

MOT FAQs

How early can I book an MOT?

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is shown on your most recent MOT pass certificate. You can book an MOT near you up to one month (minus a day) before the due date and still keep the same renewal date.

For example: if your MOT runs out on 16 September, the earliest you can MOT your car and keep the same renewal date next year is 17 August. You can book an MOT earlier than this. But if you do, the renewal date will change to one year (minus a day) from the date your vehicle passed this MOT.

To find out when your MOT is and how early you can book it, use the GOV.UK tool.

When do I need to book an MOT?

A car needs an MOT every year once it’s three years old (four years in Northern Ireland). Then it needs to be retested every year on the anniversary of its last MOT. Cars under three years old don’t need an MOT.

Once you’ve passed, you’ll get an MOT test certificate showing the date of the test and the expiry date. You can get your car retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.

If your MOT is due, get a quote from an RAC Approved Garage near you and book your MOT online today.

What happens if I fail my MOT?

If your car fails its MOT:

You’ll get a Refusal of MOT Certificate (VT30). You can only drive away if your current MOT certificate is still valid and no ‘dangerous’ faults were listed in the MOT. You will need to have your car repaired and retested.

Your Refusal of MOT Certificate will explain why your car failed its MOT test and explain what needs to be fixed for it to pass. Ask your local garage whether you need a full or partial MOT retest, as how much you pay will depend on the state of your vehicle.

If you get your car tested, repaired and retested at the same test centre within 10 working days, you usually won’t have to pay an MOT retest fee. Sometimes there will be a partial retest fee to pay. Just ask your garage for more information.

If you drive a car that’s failed its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ fault, you can be fined up to £2,500. You can also be banned from driving and get three points on your licence.

To avoid failing your MOT test, maintain the condition of your car in between MOTs by booking a car service.

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