Compare MOT, service and repair
Compare garages and cut the cost of your MOT
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UK drivers have compared garages for MOT, service, and repairs on BookMyGarage over 17 million times. Join them and compare today**
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Find cheap MOT deals near you from over 2,400 garages, with no upfront payments
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Plus, enjoy fantastic rewards, on us*
**Correct as of November 2024
What is an MOT?
An MOT is an annual check to make sure vehicles are roadworthy, safe and meet environmental standards.
It’s a thorough inspection that looks at your vehicle’s body and structure, fuel system and exhaust emissions. And it’s a legal requirement.
You must get an MOT before:
- The third anniversary of your vehicle’s registration
- A year after its last MOT, if it’s over three years old.
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Cars that are more than 40 years old don’t need an MOT, provided they haven’t been materially changed.
You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. And you’ll need one to tax and insure your car. But bear in mind that there are different MOT requirements for classic cars, motorbikes and vans. BookMyGarage doesn’t currently cover motorbikes.
How much do MOTs cost?
The cost of an MOT depends on your vehicle and the testing station. The maximum fee set by the government for MOTs for cars with up to eight passenger seats is £54.85.
However, many garages offer a discount on the cost of the MOT if your service is done at the same time, including when you compare with our trusted partner, BookMyGarage. Here you might find MOTs for as little as 1p if you book your MOT at the same time as a major service.
About BookMyGarage
BookMyGarage lets you compare prices and reviews of nearby garages based on your postcode. So you can potentially save on your MOT, service, repairs and maintenance. You can also see which garages have availability to book you in.
There are over 2,400 garages in England, Wales and Scotland on the BookMyGarage website. These include both independent garages and manufacturer franchise dealers.
BookMyGarage enables drivers to save money on their MOT, service, repairs and maintenance, and confidently choose a garage that best suits their needs. You can also add options, for example a re-gas for your air conditioning or a winter health check on your car before the bad weather hits.
Just enter your vehicle reg and post code to instantly compare deals and start saving! Plus, no payment is taken – you’ll pay at the garage after the work is complete.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
Your vehicle will fail if it’s found to have ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems. If this happens, you’ll need to get your car repaired before you can drive it.
You’ll also need a retest to get your MOT certificate. Depending on what caused your car to fail and how long it will take to repair, your retest may be free. Or you’ll be charged a partial retest fee, or a full MOT fee. You can see the different categories and charges on GOV.UK.
How can I find an MOT centre near me?
The government publishes a spreadsheet of MOT centres, which is updated every three months. If wrangling a spreadsheet is too complicated, you can also search online or using a map app to find an ”MOT centre near me”.
But selecting an MOT and putting your postcode into BookMyGarage is simple. It will help you find a centre with an MOT slot near you.
Do I need to service my car?
Servicing your car isn’t a legal requirement. But if you have a warranty on your car, it may become invalid if you don’t have it serviced at the recommended times.
If you have a car on PCP car finance, you may need to have the car serviced under the terms of the contract.
A service will also keep your car running smoothly and could avoid breakdowns and garage bills. It will also help your car retain its value. This is because potential buyers want to see the vehicle’s service history to check it has been looked after properly and won’t result in big garage bills.
What does a service cover?
Your mechanic will inspect your car’s mechanical and electrical parts, along with the tyres, brakes and other essential parts. You also have the option for filters to be changed and fluids either topped up or replaced.
For more about services, including service types, see our guide to servicing your car.
Why compare with BookMyGarage?
With 2,400+ garages across Britain it’s easy to compare prices and local garages with availability for service and MOTs. You’ll get confirmation of your booking and a reminder before your slot. It’s easy.
| Just enter your vehicle reg and postcode to instantly compare deals | Get your car serviced at a dealer for less than booking direct | No booking fees, no payment up front and transparent reviews |
BookMyGarage has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 from 6,042 reviews as of November 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I compare MOT services?
By comparing MOT services you’ll be able to compare prices and see whether the garage has a convenient slot to book you in. You may find bigger discounts if you have your car serviced at the same time.
You can also see which garages offer services like Saturday and Sunday MOTs, and pick- up and drop-off services too.
Can I get an MOT and service at the same time?
Yes, many drivers do this as it can help make sure your vehicle passes first time, but it is optional.
Some garages will offer you a discount on the cost of the MOT if you have a service at the same time.
Why might my car fail an MOT?
Your car can fail an MOT for all sorts of reasons – from a lightbulb not working to tyres having insufficient tread. Windscreen issues, like a chip in the driver’s view, can also cause failures.
It can be a good idea to check for any obvious issues and get them fixed before your MOT.
How often do I need to get an MOT?
You need to get an MOT test every year, but if your car is brand new, you don't need one for the first three years.
Do electric vehicles and hybrids need an MOT?
Yes, electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles all need MOTs. However, these types of vehicles don’t need an emissions test as part of the MOT:
- Vehicles with fewer than four wheels
- Vehicles with 2-stroke engines
- Hybrid vehicles
- Quadricycles
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
- Electric vehicles.
