Book an MOT in Colchester

£45.91

Average price for MOT work in Colchester in the last 30 days^

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Colchester?

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 Colchester.

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 Colchester

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

All Trans Autos Ltd, Bosch Car Service

5.0/5

All Trans Autos was started in August 1980 by Jill and Richard. We employed our first member of staff, Tony, in 1984 and we are proud that he is still in our employment. Over the past 34 years All Trans Autos has grown and today has 15 employees, ranging from fully qualified technicians to part time office staff. Each one is a valued member of the team and provides the excellent customer service for which the company is renowned. All Trans Autos prides itself on its fantastic training program. Even after 25 years Tony is still attending training to keep up to speed with the fast moving technology in today’s cars. We have trained four apprentices over the period and currently have our fifth apprentice who is in his first year of training. The husband and wife team of Jill and Richard provides an excellent atmosphere. They work along side their staff, giving the garage that family feel. Their children all help within the company, inputting their skills where required, although only one of them works full time, as the company’s fleet manager. In 2006 All Trans Autos moved to its present location – the same year in which we became a Bosch Car Service centre. In order to become a BCS certain criteria have to be met. To read more about this see our Bosch page. Today All Trans Autos is one of the largest independent garages in Colchester. We offer unlimited expertise and are able to deal with most makes to dealer level. We operate to standards beyond those that are expected even by Bosch, and we won their quality award in our first year. We were shortlisted down to the last three in the Independent Garage of the Year Award in 2008.

Unit 7 Moss Road, Stanway, Colchester, CO30LE

Great Horkesley Garage

5.0/5

First established in 1994, we have decades worth of experience to tackle anything you challenge us with! We are a very successful, family run business that provides MOT, servicing, fuel sales and a shop for everyday essentials. Our mechanics are fully qualified and committed to providing a high quality service at reasonable prices on all makes and models of cars and vans.

The Causeway, Great Horkesley, CO64EJ

88 Motors and MOT Repairs

5.0/5

For all your vehicle needs in Colchester, Essex from servicing, maintenance & repair to tyres , brakes, clutches and MOT from skilled mechanics in our garage workshop. We're here to help.

Unit 15 Davey Close, Colchester, CO12XL

KW Autos

5.0/5

Welcome to KW Autos - whatever you need to help keep your car or light commercial vehicle on the road, we can help. We can carry out all kinds of services and repairs, including maintaining manufacturer warranty on your new car and arranging MOTs on older ones. From cambelts to clutches, brakes to steering, tyres, electrics and diagnosis, welding and suspension work, to full engine rebuilds and head gaskets, we have the skills needed to get you the best value. No job is too big or too small for us.

Units 1-6, 79 Undercliffe Road West, Felixstowe, IP11 2AD

Richardsons Colchester

4.8/5

Established in 1966 we are one of the South East's leading vehicle repair centres. We have a team of highly trained ATA staff and we are a BSI approved repair centre so you can ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly. We carry our vehicle servicing and repairs at very competitive prices but still follow the exact schedule recommended by the manufacturer and your warranty is NOT compromised regardless of the age of the vehicle. We also fit parking sensors, tyres, batteries, in fact we can undertake almost any of your car needs. We have alos recently been certified as a Which Trusted Trader which the company has been audited on our ability to provide customers with a honest service quality and cost standard. See for yourself by visiting www.grahamrichardsons.co.uk

Grange Way, Colchester, CO28HG

Alpha MOT Centre

4.8/5

Welcome to Alpha MOT Centre – your premier destination for MOT testing, servicing, tyre replacements, brake repairs, battery services, and diagnostics in Colchester. Our expert team is dedicated to providing top-quality automotive maintenance and repair services to keep your vehicle in peak condition. From routine MOT checks to comprehensive servicing and repairs, we use advanced diagnostic tools and high-quality parts to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Trust Alpha MOT Centre for reliable, professional service that keeps you safe on the road.

Unit K, Chandlers Row, Colchester, CO12HG

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

GB Autos

4.7/5

We are an idependant garage thats a member of the RMI & IMI. We aim to carry out work to main dealer levels & above with our clean & well equiped workshop. GB Autos has Diagnostic Equipment equivalent to your main dealer, we can under take any jobs from correcting your tyre pressures to full engine rebuilds. GB Autos is now RAC Approved & are a Bosch Car Service Centre so we have passed a stringent audit & are able to work under the RAC & Bosch Banner. You can be assured that we are using the very best parts on your car for servicing & repairs & all our parts carry a 1 year warranty so rest assured that you are getting the very best Independent Car workshop possible.

Unit 46, Broton Drive, Halstead, CO91HB

TEC41 Ltd (Ipswich)

4.1/5

At TEC41 we offer a wide range of services for cars, 4x4s and vans at competitive prices, with an accommodating and professional service. We service and repair all makes and models, in addition to tyre fitting, and if you’re looking for an MOT test centre, we proudly MOT vehicle classes 4, 5 & 7, including cars, motor caravans, play buses & heavy goods vehicles. We pride ourselves on being a flexible, honest and accommodating; With convenient, fully insured locations, TEC 41 provides customers with the security that their vehicle is safe until they return to collect it. We’re conveniently situated near the railway station, just a few minutes’ walk away from Ipswich town centre and the Waterfront. You can choose to drop your car off in the morning and pick it up when you are ready, the perfect excuse for a day trip.

8 Great Whip St, Ipswich, IP28EY

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

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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