Book an MOT in Southampton

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Southampton?

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 Southampton.

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 Southampton

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

AutoTech Motors Services/Barry Motor Trade Ltd

5.0/5

A customer-focused approach delivered with the friendly, personal touch. Modern garage services from a workshop that regularly invests into new technology. Covering all locations in Hampshire including Southampton, Salisbury, Romsey, Eastleigh and Totton. Specialists in all German marques but able to work on any make or model. Car servicing and repair work undertaken to the same schedules as dealerships. An affordable service from a company that guarantees all parts and its workmanship. Our customers get competitive deals on car and van servicing, MOTs, air conditioning, exhausts, batteries, brakes, clutches, diagnostics, suspension and more. We even offer FREE safety checks to keep you safe on the road. We pride ourselves in giving all of our customers that personal touch, which you would expect from a family-run business, and of course the most competitive prices and great availability and service. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help, offering unbiased advice, and if you find a cheaper price for the same product in stock, we’ll try our best to beat it at the time of purchase.

Stanley House, Manor House Avenue, Southampton, SO150LF

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

Crampmoor Garage Ltd

4.9/5

You can trust Crampmoor gargae to do the job right. With over four decades of experience under our belt, we know all there is to know about providing quality car care. Since 1975, the Meader family has endeavoured to deliver high-quality car repairs at affordable prices. So, whether you need a brake fluid replacement, a coolant change, a front wheel alignment, or a general diagnostic check, we are here to help.

Halterworth Lane, Crampmoor, Romsey, SO519AN

Southcoast Automotive Services ltd

4.9/5

Friendly, Local Family Run Garage We are your friendly, local family run car garages in Hampshire, dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive range of automotive services tailored for your specific requirements. From car servicing and maintenance to engine diagnostics and car repairs in, Botley, Hedge End and the surrounding areas we are the company to call. All work undertaken is completed to the highest of standards by trained and experienced auto specialists. We are dedicated to providing a superb range of garage services to meet all your private vehicle and small business needs, including performance and kit cars - please call for details.

Unit C, Mereworth Ind. Estate, Shamblehurst Lane North, Southampton, SO322BY

Swanmore Car Repair Centre

4.8/5

Swanmore Car Repair Centre is an independent repair garage established in 2008. We offer a wide range of services and commend ourselves by providing the best quality and efficiency on every single job we undertake. Our clean, modern and well-equipt premises allow us to welcome any repair and rectify it. We cover anything from a simple service, right through to a full engine rebuild. On-site we have a vast range of different diagnostics equipment from a range of leading suppliers. We can facilitate diagnostics to complete vehicle reprogramming depending on individual need. We can accommodate all vehicle make's and models and are happy to be able to provide you with a reputable dealer level of service, all for the price of an independent garage. Our team specialise in Clutch, Cambelt and Brake repairs and are proud to be rated a national top performer. We are members of the approved garage network This ensures you have peace of mind and confidence when repairing with us. All of our team here at Swanmore Car Repair Centre are fully qualified and trained to the highest standard. We strive in making sure we deliver professional work with results, always put the customer's needs first. Customer satisfaction is essential on each and every job, no matter how big or small. We are very pleased to be able to provide both a collection and delivery service within 10 miles, or a courtesy car subject to availability. Of course, however, you may just prefer to wait in our comfortable waiting room, with free Wi-Fi and refreshments on offer.

Unit 7 Swanmore Business Centre, Lower Chase Road, Swanmore, Southampton, SO32 2PB

Shirley Car Care Centre Ltd

4.7/5

Based in Shirley, we are a family run company and give 100% customer satisfaction for all your vehicle needs. We specialise is Clutches, Semi-automatic gearboxes, Servicing, Mots, Welding, Air conditioning, Vehicle diagnostics and much more. Find us on Facebook for reviews and don't forget to like our page!

1 Vincents Grove, Southampton, SO155HW

T G Services

4.0/5

http://tgservices.co.uk/ http://ahead-tyres.co.uk/ Car repairs and car servicing is what we do. Batteries, Brakes, Clutch, Car Engines, Car Exhausts, MOT

Joy's Keep Unit 26 Hazel Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 7GA

Solent MOT Centre ltd

4.0/5

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

Eco MOT Auto Centre

3.5/5

Eco MOT and Auto Care Located at 27-32 st marys place, Southampton, SO14 3HY Service offers: General Auto Repairs MOT Class 4 and 7 ( cars and vans) Brake Repair Clutch and transmission Tyre and 3D alignment Vehicle Diagnostic Vehicle Remapping Suspension Air Conditioning

Eco Tyres 30-32 St. Marys Place, Southampton, SO143HY

New Chapel Garage Services - Hedge End

3.0/5

New Chapel Garage is an established local independent garage offering quality repairs and fantastic customer service. We 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. All our staff give a friendly, honest and professional service whether it be car servicing, car repair or carrying your vehicles yearly MOT which are carried out on site by our own staff. We are a DVSA/VOSA approved MOT testing station and our mechanics are always happy to offer impartial advice and guidance, and with our cutting-edge digital diagnostic tools we can pinpoint vehicle issues in moments.. 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. Simply drop off your car with us and collect it when it’s ready; or stick around and enjoy a hot or cold drink on us while you wait!

7 Mayflower Park, Botley Road, Southampton, SO302HE

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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