Book an MOT in Plymouth

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Plymouth?

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 Plymouth.

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 Plymouth

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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Car Check Plymouth Limited

Based in Plymouth - we are a family run, independent garage. Our business has grown steadily over the years by providing a reliable, professional, and trusted service. We understand that customer service is key to our success and whilst we are delighted to welcome new customers, we greatly value the continued support of our existing customers. We have 6000 square feet of fully equipped workshops, including 5 service ramps. In addition to our general servicing and repair work our technicians are also trained and competent in: Air condition servicing and Exhaust replacement. Use our many years of experience to maintain and repair your vehicle to the very highest standards. We like to get the job done at the best price for you.

Units 11 12 14 Broxton Drive Pomphlett Farm Ind Estate, Plymouth, PL97BG

Marshall Motors SW Ltd

Marshall Motors SW LTD is an independently run business that prides itself on offering unrivaled sales, services, MOTs and mechanical repairs to its customers in the local area and further afield.We offer a comprehensive range of services so whether you need to book an MOT, have your car inspected for its annual check over, or if you have an urgent problem that needs attention, our team of highly specialised mechanics are on hand to fulfill your requirements. RAC ApprovedRMI ApprovedTrust My Garage ApprovedMotor Codes ApprovedTrading Standards Approved

26 Valley Road, Plymouth, PL71RF

Newnham Park Garage

We 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.

7 Kay Close, Plympton, Plymouth, PL74LU

Polyne Garage.

Here at Polyne Garage we are a small local, independent, family run business and have been serving Saltash, Liskeard and the surrounding area for over 60 years. We offer a genuinely friendly and personal service and as a Unipart Car Care Centre, as well as first class mechanics and workshops, we offer top quality parts at competitive prices. We provide a unique 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty on parts and labour, which is honoured at over 2000 Car Care Centres nationwide. We also understand that dropping off and collecting your vehicle is not always convenient so we offer a collection and delivery service, please feel free to contact us for more information on this. We can estimate all jobs and will advise you in advance if any variation is necessary. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM. From all of us here at Polyne Garage we look forward to hearing from you.

Trerulefoot, Saltash, Cornwall, PL125DA

Zn motor repairs

We are a family run business located on the outskirts of Tavistock in West Devon. Our team of Technicians are equipped to deal with any issues that may arise from a mechanical failure. We have the latest Diagnostic equipment and Specialist tools to undertake those jobs that may have otherwise needed to go to the Main Dealer. We are also able to cater for LCV and HGV repairs. All general mechanical work undertaken at reasonable rates.

Unit 6, Pitts Cleave Ind Est, Tavistock, PL190PW

Clutchmaster Automaster

Clutchmaster was established in May 2000 by Dave Willcocks. Since then he has offered a "Second to none" clutch replacement deal for both public and trade customers. Due to our huge buying power we have been able to structure our prices accordingly, passing on superb savings. This makes Clutchmaster the best deal on BRAND NEW clutch parts not only in the Southwest but we believe Nationwide!!

Automaster Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes, TQ96PL

ARG Garage Services

We founded ARG Garage Services in 1995 to proudly serve automobile owners in the South Devon area. We're a family ran business with a great work family. We take pride in all the work we do and love to look after your vehicles - don’t hesitate to ask about our favourites, but you might be sticking around for awhile! We’re passionate about cars, and we bring that passion to the work we do. Our mechanical and bodywork technicians are professional, methodical and careful. We’ll send you home driving a safe vehicle that meets all regulations and inspections or a car that looks like a new one.

Arg Garage Services, Pottery Rd, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, TQ139JJ

Whens My MOT Ltd

LOCAL BODMIN MECHANIC The only independent Class 4 MOT station in Bodmin area. We stand by what we say as an independent “PASS OR FAIL WE HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN”. With three fully trained and qualified mechanics we are all IMI trained to the ministry standard to carry out the testing procedure. We are passionate about your safety and road safety so rest assured if we fail something on your vehicle then it needs doing. We work with local reputable qualified technicians to assist in any repair needed. If you can’t find the right person to help you we can.

31 Normandy Way, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL311HA

Yalberton Autos

Our state of the art workshop houses three 2 posted ramps, a 5 tonne two post light commercial ramp and a pit for light commercial vehicles. This allows us to carry out any type of repair to almost all makes and models of vehicles. We are also registered to conduct class 4 MOT's and offer a modern and comfortable waiting area for our customers.

Jupiter House, Aspen Way, Paigton, TQ4 7QR

Motec UK Ltd

We are a established, local, independent garage. We subscribe to the motor industry code of practice offering an open and fair pricing policy.Our workshop is furnished with modern equipment and large enough to comfortably fit many cars and commercial vehicles - not to mention our experienced team of technicians.We can cater for your every need, we now have a large commercial section for individual or fleet users, from repairs to vosa weekly inspections. Please give us a call with you requirements.

Motec Uk Ltd, Unit 11 Torbay Business Park, Woodview Road, Paignton, TQ4 7HP

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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