Book an MOT in Watford

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Watford?

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 Watford.

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 Watford

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

Brookdene Service Centre

4.8/5

Brookdene Motors has been established for over 25 years, offering general repairs and servicing to Watford and the surrounding areas. We are specialist in VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Reputation and trust are key business tools for any independent garage and at Brookdene motors in New Road, Watford, its part of the firm's philosophy. Reputation is a very important word for the team - which explains why Brookdene Motors is celebrating over 25 years in the industry. We are also now proudly part of Elite Remaps. If you need further endorsement, many of our huge database of loyal customers have been using the garage since its very early days when it was situated in Carpenders Park. Now our location is ideal, situated at the edge of Waterfields Retail Park just behind Tesco and only three minutes walk to The Harlequin and Lower High Street Station. Brookdene Motors offers a full range of services and our busy and highly competent staff are all long-serving, With the senior technician being with the garage for over 24 years. We have invested heavily in the latest diagnostics equipment and the facilities also include an automatic tyre charger and a computerized wheel balancer. All our parts come with a standard manufacturer warranty and our labour is guaranteed for 1 year.

10-12 New Road, Lower High Street, Watford, WD17 2EX

RSC Ltd.

4.5/5

We have on site a fully equipped three ramp workshop. Our work shop philosophy is very old school, we will never carry out any work to your vehicle unless it is needed, always ask your permission to carry out any work up and above what has been agreed and do our utmost to give a fair and reasonable cost service at all times. As a result of this we have a loyal database of customers from Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Hatch end, Bushy and surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services at an extremely competitive rate especially when compared to the main dealers, these include: servicing, repairs, bodywork, tracking, tyres, air conditioning re gasses, clutches, brakes, exhausts, car audio and alarms.

Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD197SE

The MOT Centre

4.3/5

Based in Hatch End, The MOT Centre has a team of expert mechanics on hand to deal with all your car repair requirments. Our repair service uses the most up to date tools and equipment to repair any make and model of car. We keep most a range of parts in stock, or parts can be delivered within the hour by one of our suppliers, so most work can be done while you wait. We can undertake insurance work and also offer sub-contracted work.

Cornwall Road, Hatch End, Piner, HA54LS

Johnson Motors

4.3/5

We are the approved dealer for the community-áKeep Spending Local Scheme for Watford. We have been providing a first class service for the Watford and surrounding areas for a many years offering service and repair to all makes of cars and light vans, to corporate, fleet and the private sector. Over the years we have built an excellent reputation for our quality workmanship and friendly service. All our fitters and technicians are fully trained and are constantly updated with changes or enhancements made by car manufacturers of all makes. Our team pride themselves in the ability of diagnostics and fault finding, saving you expensive exploratory time that may be incurred at some other garages." We are the only RAC Approved garage in Watford (we service the RAC patrol vans ) we are also AA approved Warranty repairer so the standard of our work is very high.

Unit 5 Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 9SP

Church Avenue Garage Ltd

3.9/5

We are a well established company that deals with its customers in a friendly and courteous manner. Customer service is our top priority and our level of service is second to none. Whenever you need Brakes, Tyres, Exhausts, Batteries, Clutches, Cambelts, genuine, official parts and accessories from leading brands or a complete car care package, you can rely on Church Avenue Garage Ltd.Throughout Northolt and West London we provide a fantastic and consistent quality of service at good value to domestic and commercial clients alike. With 20 years of established quality, we are a very professional and well trusted, locally run business with very high standards of service.Our staff have been trained to the highest standard and have many years in main dealer experience.We do not carry out any work or repairs without your specific authorisation, we do not make promises we do not intend to keep and we do not mislead you into having a part replaced that is not necessary.

2 Church Avenue, Northolt, UB5 5DG

Nash Mills MOT & Service Centre

3.8/5

At Nash Mills we are a young and progressive company located on the boundaries of Hemel Hempstead and further afield, such as in - St. Albans - Watford - Hatfield - Berkhamsted -Kings Langley We've been trading in the local Hertfordshire area since September 2013 and we have an excellent reputation for being one of the friendliest and most reliable garages in the county. Our, team combines 60 years of trade experience to deliver a complete range of repair and services for all make cars and vans. We carry all the latest diagnostics equipment, so we're able to diagnose all sorts of faults, as well as carrying out the more common repair types, such as: - Servicing - Mots - Engine diagnostics - Repairs When you need reliable commercial and regular vehicle services in and around Hertfordshire get in touch with Nash Mills MOT & Service centre on whocanfixmycar.com! 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.

Nash Mills Mot And Service Centre, Rear Of - 194A Belswains Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP39XA

Junction Motors

3.7/5

Welcome to Junction Motors - Watford’s leading Vehicle Repair Specialists. We provide MOT testing, servicing, wheel alignment, diagnostics and many more services for cars, LGV’s, Mini-buses and larger vans. Our state-of-the-art workshop in Watford stocks the latest in modern technology and diagnostic equipment to ensure your vehicle gets the correct service it needs and that it is performed to an impeccable standard. Our highly skilled technicians are able to provide servicing, fault troubleshooting and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Between them they have fixed thousands of vehicles so your one will be in safe hands. Did you know our staff are fully qualified to service and repair all hybrid and electric cars? Unlike petrol & diesel models, hybrid & electric cars require a different type of care and service due to the difference in the way these cars are built and function. Not only are our staff fully qualified to look after these cars, but we also have all of the latest equipment to ensure these cars are looked after to the best conditions possible.

1A Garnett Close, Watford, WD247GL

Nexa Max Garages

3.7/5

Professional car repair and MOT service in Watford (WD24 7GP), focused on quality, reliability, and expertise. We provide high-quality repairs, diagnostics, and servicing for all brands. Our experienced team precisely handles engine repairs, brakes, suspension, transmissions, retrofits, and multimedia installations. Equipped with the latest tools, we ensure fast, efficient, and expert service. Book your appointment today!

Unit A, 2 Greycaine Road, Watford, WD247GP

Halt Motor Company

3.6/5

David Bux started Halt Motor Company in 1979 and it is now a well-established family business, with sons James and Charles now running the workshop full-time. HMC has been specialising in quality used cars since 1984 and all aspects of after-sales, including servicing, repairs and MOTs. As a proffesional car care centre, we have the latest equipment, which allows our qualified mechanics to diagnose any problems quickly. We have recently invested in more diagnostic equipment that will help us to rectify any problems you may have with your car more efficiently.

Unit 1, Hurricane Trading Estate, London, NW9 5QW

AVS Ltd.

3.5/5

We are a well established local Harrow garage, providing a wide range of garage services including Servicing, MOT's, Bodywork Repairs, Tyres, Brakes and Clutches to name just a few. We cater for all makes and models of vehicles and use the latest equipment in our fully equipped workshop. Many services can be carried out while you wait or we can provide you with a courtesy car upon request.

109A Roxeth Green Avenue, Harrow, HA28AB

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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