Book an MOT in Colchester

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

Alpha MOT Centre

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

Great Horkesley Garage

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

CS Automotive Vehicle Repair Ltd. T/A CS Autos

Rated 5* on Google an Yell. Discover CS Autos – your go-to destination for premium automotive care without the dealership price tag. At CS Autos, we're dedicated to delivering unmatched service quality, ensuring your vehicle receives top-notch attention every time. Our team of skilled technicians is committed to keeping your vehicle in peak condition, from routine maintenance to specialized repairs. Experience the difference with CS Autos – where excellence meets affordability. We specilise in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with over 25 years main dealer experience we will be able to assist with vehicles ranging from a Smart Car to a Mercedes Sprinter. Our workshop based in Kelvedon, Essex is where your vehicle will be maintained by our expert technicians. We also offer a Fleet management service for business owners who have a large fleet of vehicles.

Ewell Hall Barn, Ewell Hall, Kelvedon, CO59BQ

Halfway Garage

Halfway Garage has the equipment and expertise to repair and maintain your vehicle. Our emphasis is on transparency and professionalism. We pride ourselves on performing the highest quality vehicle servicing and MOTs in the Clacton area as quickly and efficiently as possible

Halfway Garage Colchester Road, Clacton On Sea, CO169AA

Euro Pit Tyres Clacton

CAR SERVICING, TYRES, WHEELS, MOT, SPARES & REPAIRS Europit Tyres cater for all your motoring needs. Now with 9 showrooms and workshops in Essex, East London and Suffolk, we bring a large range of services; We provide MOT testing, tyre fitting, vehicle servicing, wheel alignment, parts etc; and we welcome both retail customers and business accounts. We constantly strive to move forward with the latest equipment and technology, to provide a complete service for your tyres, servicing and repairs at the best possible price. Europit Tyres also offer FREE-OF-CHARGE exhaust system checks, and we supply and fit both half and full exhaust systems at the very best prices!

88 Oxford Rd, Clacton-On-Sea, CO151SG

Kestrels Motor Company

We are a small professional team that offers sales servicing and repairs. We provide one of the best services for MOT tests at our Garage in Halstead. By using highly experienced staff and equipment you can be assured your car is in good hands to be inspected. Kestrels Motor Company have fully qualified and experienced staff that can supply and fit brakes for all makes and models at competitive prices. At Kestrels Motor Company we can cure most types of diagnostics on your car. Looking to buy tyres for your car? Kestrels Motor Company can get you driving safe and legal on the road. We carry an extensive range of batteries, which are available to be fitted while you wait. Ranging from a 3-year, 4-year & 5-year warranty.

Bluebridge Industrial Estate, Unit 6 Third Avenue., Halstead, CO92SX

GB Autos

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

Approved engines ltd

at approved repair Centre we specialize in ford / psa vehicles we mainly do in-depth repairs head gaskets timing chains and belts as well as full engine builds and engine / gearbox changes . We have main dealer ford fdrs diagnostic computers and offer a main dealer level service on fords

Unit 2 Inca Business Park Acton, Acton, Sudbury, CO100BB

TEC41 Ltd (Ipswich)

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. 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.

8 Great Whip St, Ipswich, IP28EY

LDN AUTO SERVICES LTD

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.

Filter by