Book an MOT in Ipswich

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Ipswich?

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 Ipswich.

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 Ipswich

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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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. 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.

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

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

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

Kings Autos Ltd

5.0/5

I'm a NVQ level 3 fully qualified mechanic with 18 years experience. I specialize in Mazda vehicles as I worked for them for 15 years however I have worked with independent garages so I am proficient with all makes. We carry out all work from servicing to timing chains.

Kings Autos Ltd Unit 1 Phoenix Road, Lowestoft, NR337NP

KB Auto Recovery LTD

5.0/5

KB Auto Recovery offers all types of vehicle servicing and repairs throughout Lowestoft. We are proudly accredited as both RAC and AA-approved repair centers. Located in the heart of Lowestoft town centre, our premises provide a comfortable customer reception area where customers are able to enjoy complimentary teas and coffees whilst waiting for any such repairs. Other neighboring businesses on this site include; ASDA, Starbucks, McDonald's, and numerous other facilities offering convenience to our customers, The site also has excellent connections to public transport, including both train and bus stops only a stone's throw away from reception. Our talented team of technicians are qualified and experienced in all forms of repairs and servicing, and as part of our approved garage scheme through the AA and RAC, we receive regular audits to ensure our quality of service is to the high standards required. You can therefore rest assured that here at KB Auto Recovery your vehicle is in safe and capable hands.

Unit 6, Kirkley Business Park, Horn Hill, Lowestoft, NR330PX

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

Protyre Bury St Edmunds

4.7/5

Bury Tyre Centre - Team Protyre joined the Protyre network in 2019. The centre specialises in supplying and fitting tyres for cars, vans and 4x4s from all leading manufacturers, including Michelin, Pirelli, Falken, Sumitomo, Bridgestone and Continental. The team will be pleased to provide advice on the best tyres to meet your driving requirements.

Unit 13, Bunting Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP327BX

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

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

Moyse Motors Ltd

3.0/5

If you want to find an AA approved garage in the Lowestoft area with 20 years' experience, give Moyse Motors a call. We specialise in car and van servicing, as well as clutch and brake repairs, vehicle diagnostics, air conditioning repairs and MOT servicing for vehicles in class 4 and 7. We also offer a reliable breakdown service. Our team of technicians are skilled and experienced, and our rates are some of the most competitive around. Please get in touch if you would like to book in, are more than happy to help.

15 Barley Way, Lowestoft, NR337NH

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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