MOT test centres in Essex
Essex has 77 MOT test stations on the official DVSA register. 62 test cars and small vans, 18 are approved for motorcycles and 23 can test vans up to 3.5 tonnes. By law the test itself can cost no more than £54.85 for a car — many garages charge less, so it's worth comparing two or three before you book.
Not sure when your test is due? Check your MOT expiry free — takes 30 seconds with your reg.
Getting an MOT in Essex
Test centres in Essex are spread across 46 postcode districts (CB10, CM1, CM20, CM24, CM3, CM5 and more), so there's usually one within a short drive wherever you are in town. 6 of the 77 stations here also appear in our rated garage directory, so you can see customer ratings before you book. At least 4 MOT garages in Essex are open on Saturdays — useful if you can't drop the car off in the week.
You can book an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before your current certificate runs out and keep the same renewal date, so booking ahead costs you nothing. Bring nothing but the car — the tester looks it up by registration. If it fails, you're entitled to a free retest at the same station within 10 working days for most repairs. Run through our pre-test checklist first: lights, tyres and wipers alone cause a huge share of avoidable failures.
Top-rated garages in Essex
All DVSA-approved MOT stations in Essex
Frequently asked questions
How many MOT test centres are there in Essex?
There are 77 DVSA-approved MOT test stations in Essex on the official register, 62 of which test cars and small vans (class 4).
How much does an MOT cost in Essex?
The law caps the MOT fee at £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a motorcycle. Many garages in Essex charge less than the cap, so it pays to phone two or three and compare.
Where can I get a motorbike MOT in Essex?
18 stations in Essex are approved for motorcycle testing (class 1 and 2). Look for the motorcycle badge in the list on this page.
How do I check when my MOT is due?
Use our free MOT checker: enter your registration and you'll see your MOT expiry date and full test history from DVSA records. Check your MOT now.