Find MOT testing services near me

Whether your MOT is due or you’re just getting organised early, using a trusted and approved MOT testing service near you is key.

Finding a certified tester will ensure accurate inspections and compliance, offering you peace of mind that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.

Simple ways to find MOT testing services near you

Annual MOT testing is a legal requirement for most vehicles in the UK. Here are three easy ways to find a reputable MOT test centre near you.

• Download the Checkatrade app

Garages and mechanics at your fingertips. Download the Checkatrade app today to search for certified MOT services in your area, ask questions via the in-app chat, and book your MOT test.

• Search online for MOT testing services near you

People use Checkatrade every day to find reviewed tradespeople. Enter your postcode in the search tool to browse MOT test centres local to you.

• Use our request a quote form

Prefer to correspond via email? Or simply want to compare prices? Fill in a quick form and receive tailored quotes straight to your inbox.

Why hire a professional for your vehicle’s MOT?

Your vehicle’s MOT must be carried out by a DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)-approved MOT tester. Look for the blue sign with three white triangles as a symbol of certification. 

A certified MOT tester will ensure:

• Legal compliance: Carrying out the necessary inspections to prove your car meets road safety and environmental standards

• Accurate inspections: Having received the necessary training to assess vehicles against the MOT standards

• Peace of mind: As skilled mechanics and qualified MOT testers, you know your vehicle is in safe, competent hands

Hiring an approved MOT tester really is the only option to keep your vehicle safe and legal on the road. Failing to do so could result in missed issues, invalid insurance, or fines. 

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

What’s covered in an MOT test?

During an MOT test, key parts of your vehicle are checked to ensure they meet the legal standards.

This includes:

• Brakes

• Tyres, wheels, and TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system)

• Windscreen, wipers, and washer fluid

• Lights, visible electrical wiring, and the battery

• Suspension and steering

• Seats and seatbelts

• Horn

• Exhaust system and emissions

• Mirrors and doors

• Fuel system

• Registration plates

• Towbar

• Body and vehicle structure, boot, and bonnet

What does an MOT not cover?

The MOT test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch, or gearbox, and is not the same thing as having your vehicle serviced. 

What about motorcycles?

For a motorcycle, the parts to be checked are slightly different - view the full list on the gov.uk site.

What to expect from MOT testing services found on Checkatrade 

With this in mind, why use Checkatrade to find local MOT testing services?

Well, we know how important it is to find and hire tradespeople who you can rely on to do a good job. Especially when there’s the potential to return year after year.

That’s why we only give our seal of approval to members who pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding The Checkatrade Standard to: 

• Deliver a high-quality of work 

• Maintain high standards of personal conduct 

• Work safely, ethically, and within their skill set 

• Communicate clearly and honestly 

• Agree costs and contract terms upfront 

• Encourage and welcome customer reviews 

Checkatrade Guarantee 

We also offer a guarantee for work carried out by our members. It is there as a helping hand up to £1,000 if the job doesn’t go as planned (eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply).

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Why browse MOT testing services near you?

Checkatrade makes it quick and easy to search for local MOT testing centres near you. On our platform, you can view:

• Skills and experience: To check certifications and qualifications

• Reviews: Read testimonials from previous customers

• Services offered: Some garages will offer the convenience of collecting your vehicle for MOT testing - a real bonus of booking a local firm

Use the Checkatrade app to contact MOT testing centres directly to discuss your needs and book your vehicle for its MOT. Alternatively, browse approved MOT testers by searching with our tool.

How often do you need an MOT test? 

An MOT should be completed every year for most vehicles over three years old. Some vehicles need to be checked at one year old. 

How much does an MOT cost? 

There is a maximum amount that MOT test stations can charge, which is dependent on the type of vehicle being tested. 

• The maximum MOT fee for a car is £54.85

• The maximum MOT fee for a motorcycle is £29.65

• The maximum MOT fee for a van up to 3,500kg is £58.60

What happens if you don’t get an MOT done before the deadline? 

Failing to get an MOT before the deadline could land you with a fine of up to £1,000 and your insurance may be invalid. 

It’s illegal to drive or park a vehicle on the road if its MOT has expired, unless you’re travelling to a pre-booked MOT or taking it to/from somewhere to be repaired. 

You also cannot tax a vehicle if its MOT has expired. You’ll need to book an MOT test and then tax your vehicle once it’s passed its MOT.

When do I get the MOT test result? 

You will be told whether your vehicle has passed or failed its MOT upon completion of the test. 

• Passed the MOT? The result will be recorded in the MOT database, and you’ll receive an MOT certificate from the test centre

• Failed the MOT? If ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems are identified with your vehicle, it will fail its MOT, and you may not be able to drive until these are fixed

• Passed with advisory problems? These are minor issues to monitor or fix in the future

What happens if your vehicle fails its MOT?

Your vehicle can fail an MOT if ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems are identified. 

That said, if your current MOT is still valid and no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT, you can take your vehicle away.

However, if your vehicle has failed its MOT due to ‘dangerous’ problems, it will need to be repaired and retested before it can be driven. 

Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT due to a ‘dangerous’ problem can result in a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban, and 3 penalty points.

Why use Checkatrade?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade tradesperson has passed up to 12 checks

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade

• Guaranteed - We guarantee Checkatrade tradespeople's work, claim up to £1000 - T&Cs apply

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.