Book an MOT in Poole

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Poole?

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 Poole.

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 Poole

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

South Coast Auto Solutions

5.0/5

South Coast Auto Solutions 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 We cover Weymouth and surrounding areas...

Unit 7-8, Oxford Court, Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth, DT49GH

Cadnam Garage Services

5.0/5

Whether needing an MOT, service or repairs, an ECU remap, or just another vehicle, our team of experienced technicians and support staff are happy to advise you in finding a solution to your requirements. Cadnam Garage is a member of the Good Garage Scheme, as well as an approved RAC and AA garage. We adhere to a strict code of conduct, which provides an open and honest approach to everything carried out in our workshops. While your vehicle is in our care, we will keep you informed every step of the way, and we will not undertake any additional work without your prior approval.

Southampton Road, Cadnam, SO40 2NB

Graham Hill Motor Technician

4.9/5

Graham Hill Motor Technician is a family run business which has grown from strength to strength over the years. We offer a host of services, ranging from but not limited to routine servicing and maintenance, brakes, clutches and repairs. We are also an RAC approved garage working in line with The Motor Ombudsman Code of Practice - promising higher levels of customer service.

20A Mannings Heath Road, Poole, BH124NQ

J Day Engineering

4.6/5

Your vehicle is in safe hands with our dedicated, highly skilled team. From initial booking through to key handover, our staff are on hand to assist with any queries, ensuring your vehicle remains in peak condition. J Day Engineering are proudly accredited by leading industry bodies, giving complete confidence in our workmanship and customer care. Motor Trader Independent Garage of the Yearand 2024. We utilise the very latest technologies and equipment to deliver service standards that exceed main dealers across the UK. This includes 2 x Hunter Hawkeye Elite alignment to allow commercial vehicle alignment, Hunter Quick Check Drive and Quick Tread Edge, advanced ADAS calibration systems, EV and hybrid servicing, and comprehensive diagnostics for modern vehicles.

J Day Engineering, Bow Bridge, The Marsh, Henstridge, BA8 0TF

Solent MOT Centre ltd

4.2/5

Based in upper shirley (Winchester Road) in southampton, Close to the general hospital, we offer a range of services such as class 4 mot, servicing, mot repairs, suspension, clutches and same day mot and repairs.

Unit 3A North Brook Industrial Estate, Hollybrook Road, Southampton, SO166RB

St Christophers Car Sales

4.1/5

We are an established local independent garage and are in our 36th year of trading. We are proud to be members of Autofirst Network, and approved by the AA and the RAC – We are a part of the 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 cover all postcode areas and offer a free of charge courtesy car if available (prior booking is essential). We look forward to being of service to you.

St Christophers Garage, 1195 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, BH76BW

MRG Auto Repair located on 54A BELENA CLOSE BH17 7DY

3.0/5

MRG is a qualified and honest Garage, able to diagnose and repair many kinds of problems in your car or van, ask for a quote right now. We are located on 54A Balena close BH17 7DY We are an expert car-servicing garage providing comprehensive servicing solutions, Free MOT pre-checks and repairs situated in Poole. we are uniquely equipped with the specialist equipment to undertake MOT pre-checks, general repairs, all makes servicing and a variety of work to electrical systems around your vehicle. At MRG Auto Repair in Poole, you can be assured that only an expert will work on your vehicle. Looking to book Servicing or a Free MOT Pre-Check online in Poole? You now can with MRG Auto Repair! Use our interactive live, real-time booking system to book an MOT pre-check, diagnostics or ECU Remapping service. It has never been easier, using our live system you can find the date and time that suits you, we can even send out servicing reminders for the following year so you never miss a thing. Choose our Poole based servicing and repair centre for quality services and trustworthy technicians https://www.mrgautorepair.co.uk/contact-us/ Please look at our Google reviews

54A Balena Close, Poole, BH177DY

Stanfield Garage Limited

2.0/5

Honest, reliable and here to help – Our approach to your motoring needs. From our reception staff to our vehicle technicians we are always focused on a cost effective, swift resolution. We use all the latest diagnostic equipment and understand the importance of your vehicle, day to day so our aim is to get your motoring issues resolved as quickly as possible for minimal interruptions. We specialise in BMW & MINI, however we also work on vehicles in the VAG group i.e VW, Skoda, Audi and Mazda as well as offering services and repairs on all makes & models with an onsite class 4, 5 & 7 MOT testing centre. When it comes to MOTs our team are looking to pass your vehicle safely and not to generate unnecessary extra work. We have built our reputation through good customer service and a cost-conscious approach, working with the trade and public. We want to look after your vehicles long term and grow through your recommendations. We also offer a Free collection and delivery service. 30+ years reputation in the area built on expert technicians and excellent customer service.

9 Jameson Road, Bournemouth, BH9 2QD

Car Link Ltd

1.0/5

Here at Car-Link we aim to provide a straightforward and easy approach to maintaining your vehicle. We have fully qualified and knowledgeable technicians who are always kept up to date with the latest training and equipment. While your car is in our workshop, we have a comfortable, heated, and air-conditioned waiting area where you will be greeted and assisted by our workshop manager Audrey. Being an RAC Approved Garage as well as an RAC Approved Dealership we are fully trained in handling RAC warranty claims, even if you have bought the car from another dealership. The RAC have been serving motorists since 1897, and as the motorist’s champion, it’s their duty to provide motorists with a network of independent garages they can trust, that’s why they set up the RAC Approved Garages Network. As an RAC Approved Garage we follow the RAC Customer Charter for Approved Garages. This means you will every time you bring your vehicle you will get: Honest pricing - All work will be explained clearly, and the costs will be transparent Quality work - Any repairs done will meet the high standard set by the RAC Exceptional customer service - You’ll find the service friendly, straightforward and jargon free

Ringwood Rd, Ferndown, BH229BB

Casterbridge Motor Group Ltd

Family run Mercedes-Benz Specialist in Dorset's county town. We are also RAC Approved offering to undertake warranty work. Offering a wide range of Automotive options at competitive prices including: * MOT(by appointment) * Servicing (including Digital Service Book) * Repairs * Diagnostics * Air Con servicing and repairs * Clutches * Brakes * Tyres and Exhaust * Courtesy Vehicle * Local Collection & Delivery service * Car sales with warranty

Millers Close, Grove Trading Estate, Dorchester, DT1 1ST

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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