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

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Winchmore Hill Car Sales Limited

5.0/5

Welcome to WH Service Centre Ltd, an RAC-approved garage dedicated to providing top-notch automotive services you can trust. With our RAC accreditation, we meet the highest standards in the industry, ensuring your vehicle is in expert hands. Our skilled technicians use the latest technology to deliver reliable repairs, servicing, and MOTs, all at competitive prices. Whether you need routine maintenance or complex diagnostics, we're committed to getting you back on the road safely and efficiently. Experience peace of mind with our exceptional service, backed by the trusted RAC seal of approval. Visit us today!

Sedge Green Business Park, Nursery Road Unit 7 And 8, London, EN92PA

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

A&R Motors Engineering Ltd

4.7/5

A&R Motors, Canvey's favourite workshop for full car servicing, brakes & clutch, suspension, engine repairs & tuning, exhaust fitting, welding and classic car restoration. Family owned and established for 35 years, we are possibly the longest running workshop in Canvey Island. We are not part of any franchise or chain, just a local garage with honest mechanics you can trust. Your safety is our key objective and our value for money service ensures you hassle free motoring at an affordable cost. We offer a full range of great value services for all types of car and van from personal vehicles to commercial fleets. We also cater for classic vehicles with vast experience in classic Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and most American Cars.

11 Kings Close, Charfleet Industrial Estate, Canvey Island, SS80QZ

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

MJ ESSEX AUTOS LTD

4.6/5

MJ ESSEX AUTOS LTD, the region’s fastest growing body repair centre, is located in an ideal position on the borders of London, Essex and Kent. We are a family run business with an enviable reputation for top class body repairs at an affordable price. From Minis to Mercedes, single seaters to SUVs, our highly trained technicians have a wealth of experience to tackle any work, returning your much loved vehicle back to it’s showroom condition. We are trusted by many of the areas main dealer groups, so you can be confident in the amazing work we produce. Insurance accident repairs, accident recovery or simply some cosmetic paintwork finishing… no matter what you need, we can help.

Unit 16 Juliet Way, Aveley, Rainham, South Ockendon, RM154YD

SN Autohaus Hainault

4.3/5

When it comes to servicing your car, SN Autohaus Hainault can offer you the premium service you'd expect from a main dealer - without the premium price tag. This means you can reduce your servicing costs without compromising your warranty. Our Warranty Approved Servicing is carried out by highly trained technicians using parts and lubricants that match those specified as Original Equipment which ensures compliance with the Manufacturers Warranty, so the only difference you'll notice is in your wallet. As well as great value for money, you can expect a thorough and fair service. We will not carry out any work without your consent, priding ourselves on the quality of work undertaken within our workshop. We do not fear our competition as we know what our quality and service is worth. We invite our customers to come and inspect what we do with no hesitation as we have nothing to hide.

181 Forest Road, Hainault, Ilford, IG63HZ

Inverness Garage

4.3/5

We are a family run business in its second generation. Inverness Garage opened in 1970 and are a large independent garage operating in the centre of town, close to bus routes and train stations located near Southend and Leigh on Sea. We have been AA garage of the year (south east) three times. We pride ourselves on being an honest, friendly and very professional garage. We offer a full spectrum of garage services in Westcliff on Sea, from MOT’s and Servicing to the latest electronic diagnostics, car air conditioning services and good old-fashioned welding. There is little we can't do in-house, our expert technicians deliver exceptional customer service and expertise with an extensive network of specialised service partners we provide a one stop for all your motoring needs, all work carried out will be covered by our comprehensive warranty here at Inverness Garage in Westcliff on Sea. Should you require it we offer collection and delivery services as well as two loan cars should you need one whilst your vehicle is with us. If you prefer to wait while we work on your vehicle we have a comfortable waiting room for you to use. So sit back and rest assured your vehicle will be in expert hands at Inverness Garage.

Inverness Avenue, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS09DY

ISM Auto Repairs

4.1/5

ISM Auto Repairs also known as ISM Autos is based in Grays, Essex. We are proud to be one of Essex's most trusted and highly recommended garages for all your automotive needs and requirements. We know most garages can be a daunting place for some people, the fear of the unknown, knowing who to trust. Therefore as a family-run business, we aim to dispel you of these worries, with an expert team of friendly and helpful staff, ensuring a welcoming environment for all, and offering our expert and realistic advice to you on any queries you have with your vehicle. Transparency and outstanding customer service experience are guaranteed. No vehicle is beyond the knowledge and capability of the team at ISM Autos. With our combined experience of over 15 years in all manufacturers of vehicles from exotic prestige vehicles to everyday hybrid and standard vehicles. The reason why ISM Auto Repairs is trusted and recommended is due to our high level of quality work carried out to customers vehicles over the years, with a standard of service that is expected from the main dealer, followed by a highly realistic price.

Unit 4-7, Askew Farm Lane, Grays, RM175XR

Grays Motor Solutions Ltd

4.0/5

We are an independent garage based in Grays; who offer bodywork, mechanical, MOT and valeting services. We have a brand new unit fully equipped with a ramp and spray booth oven. There is a waiting room with tea/coffee facilities and plenty of parking space. We offer a reliable and efficient service with competitive rates. Our aim is to provide the highest quality of work ensuring our customer is always happy, customer retention is important to us and we aim to build a long term relationship with our customers. We are only few minutes from the town centre and about 10 minutes away from Lakeside shopping centre.

Unit 4, 53 Towers Road, Globe Industrial Estate, Grays, RM176ST

Harris and box vehicle solutions ltd

3.7/5

Harris and Box Vehicle Solutions Ltd is an independent workshop based in Witham. We provide the highest level of service across our expertise and never hesitate to go the extra mile for the satisfaction of our clients. Whether it is a major issue or a minor inconvenience, we will make sure that your car is ready to set off as soon as possible. We cover Witham and the surrounding Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire areas. We possess over 25 years of experience in the motor industry, working at main dealers and fast fits. We are also AA approved. Our professional mechanics can solve any issue that you are experiencing with your car with excellent workmanship and care. We never include any unnecessary repairs or hidden extras. So, when your car needs any repairs or periodic maintenance, you can rest assured that it is in safe hands with Harris and Box Vehicle Solutions Ltd.

36, Witham, CM83TH

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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