Book an MOT in Cardiff

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Cardiff?

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 Cardiff.

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 Cardiff

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

Causeway 4x4

5.0/5

We are a garage located in Dunball, Nr Bridgwater in Somerset just off Junction 23 of the M5 motorway. As Independent Landrover Specialists we specialise in 4×4 vehicle repairs, service, MOTs and spare parts. If you are looking for Land Rover or other vehicle service then look no further! Since re establishing in 2009 we now also offer service work, repairs and MOT’s to all vehicles, not just 4×4’s. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bristol Road, Dunball, Bridgwater, TA64TN

F&M Autocare

5.0/5

F&M Autocare is newly established business with over 50 years of experience in the motor trade. Dave, Paul & Dan can guarantee your car is in the right hands and will be back on the road in no time. We offer a free courtesy car or collection and delivery from home or your place of work. Covering all aspects of automotive repairs including servicing, timing belt replacement, clutches, brake inspection and Aircon Servicing. We also undertake all bodywork repairs from small dents to accident damage. Using only OE quality parts with all our work guaranteed you can relax and let us deal with the stress of fixing your vehicle.

Unit 1 South View Industrial Estate, Willand, Cullompton, EX152QW

Hardacres Garage.

4.9/5

Hardacres Garage is a family owned and operated business in the heart of Mid Devon serving the local community of Tiverton and the surrounding area. We pride ourselves in being open and honest. Our work is carried out by qualified mechanics who specialise in BMW, Land Rover and Isuzu's. All types of work is carried out including fabrication and welding, servicing and repairs of all makes of Cars Vans and 4x4s.

29-31 Leat Street, Tiverton, EX165LG

Performance 3000 RAC Yeovil

4.8/5

Performance 3000 are the RAC approved garage for Yeovil and the surrounding areas in Somerset. • We use Bosch KTS (some of the most advanced equipment in the world) as our primary source of diagnostic equipment. • We only fit genuine Bosch or original specification equipment • We work to approved and audited codes of practice • Our Code of Practice is approved by the Trading Standards Institute • Our technicians are comprehensively trained by Bosch • We only ever carry out work with your permission • We provide a quotation before we start any work • We keep your old parts so that you can see that the work was necessary • We use industry approved times when calculating how much labour to charge so that you know the price you pay is fair • Our technicians are comprehensively trained and document every procedure. • We are able to assist with the collection and return of vehicles, wherever possible We offer services which other garages and main dealers are unable to: • Our in-house rolling road enables us to diagnose and test vehicles in our workshop just as if they were driving along a road • We hand-make stainless steel exhaust systems on your car whilst you wait • Our in-house machine shop allows us to fabricate various items on-site

40 Buckland Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA21 5HA

C G AUTO REPAIRS

4.7/5

Here at C&G AUTO REPAIRS we have over 20 years experience in Diagnostics and repairs on all make and model vehicles. we can do anything from timing belt renewals to clutch replacement, DPF cleaning. you name it we can give you a quote At Eurorepar Car Service, we’re all about keeping you and your car moving with confidence. As a trusted network of local garages, we provide high-quality car maintenance and repairs tailored to your needs – all at competitive prices. With our exclusive Brakes for Life program and a 2-year parts and labour warranty, you can drive away knowing you’re covered for the long haul.* Ask your Eurorepar Car Service Centre to fit Eurorepar branded parts to qualify. Claims under the 2-year parts and labour warranty must be made at a Eurorepar Car Service Centre. Discover expert care, unbeatable value, and peace of mind – all under one roof. Ready to experience the Eurorepar difference? Request a quote or give us a call today! *Terms and conditions apply.

Unit F1, Sa1 Business Park, Langdon Road, SA18DB

Lace auto centre

4.6/5

We are a fully equipped Garage and Mobile Vehicle Repair service covering all aspects of repairs from Diagnostics injector coding key coding ,servicing , brakes, suspension, clutches , timing belts , head gaskets. Mots.

Llanlienwen Road, Swansea, SA66NB

T.G.B Automotive , Bosch Car Service

4.5/5

We are a full service car garage services in South Molton North Devon that provides a top level service for professional car repairs. We are well known and respected for our technical ability with car diagnostics and four wheel alignment. Both of which can help identify and prevent far larger, more damaging and costly car repairs in the future. A crucial part of a modern car service. As well as our car diagnostics and four wheel alignment work, we offer additional garage services. We have a fully equipped workshop so that we can provide you with all the services you require under one roof.

Unit 3, Hacche Lane Business Park, South Molton, EX363JB

Car Care Tetbury

4.4/5

Established in 1974, we are Tetbury's premier independent garage offering a dedicated and experienced team of seven mechanics. As a small, family run business we provide a professional yet personal service and a familiar face to all of our returning customers. We have been voted Independent Garage of the Year 2012 by both Motor Trader and the Motor Industry Code of Practice! We offer a full range of services for all makes of cars, four wheel drives and light commercial vehicles. At Car Care Tetbury customer satisfaction is our top priority so please contact us today at whocanfixmycar.com.

Car Care (Tetbury) Ltd, Units 1-3, Priory Industrial Estate, London Road, Tetbury, GL8 8HZ

Promotive BMW MINI

4.0/5

Promotive is one of the largest independent BMW and MINI specialists in the country. Our technicians are both BMW specialists & MINI specialists trained and have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment to pinpoint any faults in your car as quickly and accurately as possible. Any parts that need to be replaced will be of the same quality as those that were originally fitted on your vehicle. We work to a code of practice. This commitment to customer care gives you peace of mind in knowing that you are going to be given not only the best technical service, but also the best customer service. Promotive is run by John O’Sullivan who has 30 years BMW knowledge and training.

66 Tregwilym Road, Rogerstone, Newport, NP109EJ

John Dolbear Tyre & Auto Services Ltd

3.1/5

John Dolbear Tyre and Auto Services 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.

North Road, Cardiff, CF14 3AF

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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