Book an MOT in Chelmsford

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Chelmsford?

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 Chelmsford.

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 Chelmsford

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

JC Autocare Ltd

5.0/5

We are an independent garage with a wealth of experience in the motor trade. Working on all makes and models, we offer a wide range of services. We are also trained Land Rover and Jaguar technicians with expertise in this area.

Unit 4 Long Acre Farm, Hockley, Essex, SS55LR

Car-Nect Auto Group Ltd

5.0/5

Car-Nect is proud to be part of the Bosch Car Service Network. We provide a friendly first class service at better prices with a national guarantee from Bosch. Whatever the make and model of your car or van we can take care of it. • Quality car servicing at a better price • Class 4, Class 5 and Class 7 MOT test centre • Car problems diagnosed & solved • Van servicing for Essex businesses • Improving performance & safety

41 Brook Road, Brook Road Industrial Estate, Rayleigh, SS67XJ

In Front Autos Ltd

5.0/5

In Front Autos was established in 1994, We have a vast wealth of experience with most makes & models of cars & LCV's. We are members of the RMI, Bosch Auto crew, Lex Autolease preferred, Ford Blue oval club. Also a MOT class 4 test centre. Our services include, Air conditioning, Electronic Diagnosis & Full vehicle digital geometry.

8 Avenue Industrial Estate, Gallows Corner, Romford, RM30BY

BB Motors Solution Ltd TA Platinum Motoring.

5.0/5

Established in 2008 with over 7 years of experience, we are a well-known, locally run business based in Romford. We pride ourselves on providing an honest and reliable service throughout the local area. We are a small team of qualified and experienced mechanics offering a complete range of garage services. We undertake all car servicing and provide quality MOT testing and repairs as well as computer Diagnostics for all make and models As testament to the high standard of service and workmanship that we provide, we maintain many repeat customers and are highly recommended across the local Romford and Gidea park area. Want to find out if we can help you? Are you looking for a free estimate? Please feel free to contact us today.

376-392 Brentwood Road, Romford, Essex, RM25TD

BB Motors Solution Ltd T/A Platinum Motor Solutions

4.8/5

Established in 2008 with over 7 years of experience, Platinum Motors is a well-known, locally run business based in Romford. We pride ourselves on providing an honest and reliable service throughout the local area. At Platinum Motoring Solutions we are a small team of qualified and experienced mechanics offering a complete range of garage services. We undertake all car servicing and provide quality MOT testing and repairs as well as computer Diagnostics for all make and models As testament to the high standard of service and workmanship that we provide, we maintain many repeat customers and are highly recommended across the local Romford and Gidea park area. Want to find out if we can help you? Are you looking for a free estimate? Please feel free to contact us today.

376-392, Brentwood Road, Romford, RM25TD

Eastern Garage

4.7/5

Eastern Garage is your local independent garage that has been established since 1950. We have been serving the local community for over 60 years and hope to do so for many more years to come. The current owner, Martin Sheath, took over in 1989 and runs a team of 10 employees. Our technicians have over 60 years of combined experience with all makes and models of vehicles. By choosing us to repair your vehicle, you can be assured that your vehicle will receive the care and attention it needs and deserves. We are able to carry out all repairs in line with manufacturers recommendations.

Wethersfield Road, Essex, CM7 4NT

Wickford Autocentre

4.6/5

Going by first impressions, Russel Gardens in Wickford may not be the sort of place where you would expect to find a modern auto centre, and especially not one that can offer you fixed MOT and Servicing prices. However, that is exactly what you get with Wickford Autocentre. When Mr Choudhury decided to purchase the site of a former garage and used car sales dealer, he decided it would be to start afresh by completely stripping the site of its infrastructure including tools and machinery. Following a very high figure cash injection into this business, Wickford Autocentre now offers many facilities and services, many of which are usually only found in main dealerships. These include but are not limited to; MOTs / Servicing / Tyres / Nitrogen Tyre Inflation / Brakes / Auto diagnostics / Air condition servicing / Timing belts / Head gasket / All major repairs undertaken / Accident management services. Economical servicing options for are available every pocket and we also offer up to 12months parts and labour warranties to ensure total customer confidence. Every service includes free brake, exhaust, shocks, tyre, battery and clutch checks. A top-down overhaul has catapulted the auto centre into popularity with the local vehicle operators and motor traders. With a transparent, competitive and fair pricing strategy, a significant number of private car users are making a switch to Wickford Autocentre. So if you are looking for a customer friendly, economical and competent technical team to look after your vehicle, call into Wickford Autocentre today!

Russell Gardens, Wickford, SS11 8BH

IN'n'OUT Autocentres Basildon

4.4/5

At IN’n’OUT Autocentres we offer fixed prices MOTs and Servicing for any make and model of car with no hidden extras. We are proud to be a ‘Which? Trusted Trader’ so we are really a garage you can trust. We also have a 5 Star Trustpilot reviews rating. We provide OEM parts and 12 months warranty on all parts and servicing. We only use premium Castrol oils in all servicing. Our services are all completed ‘while-u-wait’ so you have never have the inconvenience of losing your car for the day. You can watch your car as it is being worked on through the viewing window or sit back and relax in our clean and comfortable customer lounges with FREE Wi-Fi and coffee and read the latest magazines. Check out our latest reviews and BOOK NOW!!

East Mayne, Basildon, SS131BW

LDN AUTO SERVICES LTD

4.0/5

Welcome to LDN Auto Services, we take pride in offering a wide range of services to cater to all your vehicle repair needs. From basic maintenance tasks such as oil changes and brake inspections to more complex repairs like engine overhauls and transmission replacements, our team of skilled technicians is here to ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently. Trust LDN Auto Services for all your automotive needsHighly experienced technicians with expertise in a wide range of vehicles - RAC Approved Garage - State-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and repair vehicle issues efficiently - Competitive pricing and transparent billing for quality service

Unit 9, Harrison Drive, Braintree, CM71DE

Essex Automatic Transmission Ltd

4.0/5

We are Essex Automatic Transmission Ltd, A leading gearbox manual/automatic repair specialist in Harlow and surrounding area for over 30 years. We have a small, fully qualified and trained team to stay up to date with the advancing technology in the automotive industry to carry out all types of repairs on your vehicle, including preparing your vehicle for a MOT We make sure we have the right discussion with you, both before and after we work on your car. We can offer a free of charge courtesy vehicle subject to availability or a collection and deliver service in the local area We are based in Bush Fair in Harlow and have recently moved here to cater for our growing business, why don't you pop in and say Hello to us @ Unit 2 The Fairway Bush Fair Harlow CM18 6LY

Unit 2 The Fairway, Bush Fair, Harlow, CM186LY

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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