Book an MOT in Brighton

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Brighton?

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 Brighton.

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 Brighton

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

Diplock Fuel Injection Services Ltd

5.0/5

We at Diplock Fuel Injection Services Ltd are a professional and friendly company based in Hailsham. Established since 1985, with individuals having over 50 years experience our car mechanics offer an array of car maintenance services. We specialise in diesel fuel injection and MOT testing, and can offer a comprehensive selection of repair work. We have built up a highly sought-after reputation and we come highly recommended by people in the trade. We also pride ourselves on offering very good rates on MOT tests; so please contact us for an unbeatable price!

Unit 3/4 Avocet Way, Diplocks Way, Hailsham, BN27 3JF

Oldwells Automotive Centre

5.0/5

We are a family run business, 2 generations of mechanics, priding ourselves on outstanding and exceptional customer service. Providing our customers with an honest, impartial, cost effective and mutually agreeable solution to your mechanical issues. We specialize in all types of makes and models including motorbikes, cars, vans and light commercials vehicles. We are based in Horley Surrey, utilizing local and national suppliers of parts to include main dealer. All customers are offered the choice of pattern or genuine parts.

Unit 5A Maple Business Park, Church Lane Burstow, Horley, RH69TG

Bellfields Auto Services

5.0/5

We are proud that we have been in Guildford for over 45 years. We are a family run business owned by Philip Morgan. Philip was employed by the company in the summer of 2001 and worked closely with the incumbents to modernise and improve the company while striving to maintain the family ethics that have been the foundation of the business - being friendly, courteous and honest with our customers. The business moved premises in 1996 from the Woking road to its present position on the Slyfield industrial estate.

Link House, North Moors, Slyfield Industrial Estate, Guildford, GU1 1SE

G & R Autos LTD

4.8/5

We have over 17 years previous experience within the motor trade. We take on all makes and models of cars and short wheel-base vans. We can do anything from: Bulbs, brakes, exhausts, servicing, cambelts, welding, MOT’s and much more! We offer collection and delivery service within a 5 mile radius to reduce inconvenience you your working day.This service has to be booked in advance. For your no obligation quote call us!

Unit 18 G, Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells, TN23EF

Ian Bright Motor Engineer

4.7/5

Ian Bright Motor Engineers is a friendly independent garage situated in a beautiful countryside location in Halnaker, Chichester. Established since 2013, our small team are dedicated to delivering you the highest levels of customer service. Our workshop is fully equipped and we cater for all makes and models of vehicles, offering our customers a comprehensive range of repairs, maintenance work, servicing and MOT’s. Owner Ian has over 47 years of experience, having started his 5 year City & Guilds apprenticeship back in the 70’s. City and Guilds qualifications are a lot more intense and labour intensive compared to the more modern qualifications available to mechanics nowadays, and we were taught how to fix and repair parts as opposed to simply replacing them, which is standard practice in most places today. I have experience working with older classic cars, alongside newer more modern ones too, and no job is too big or too small for us to take on! Most of my customers have been with me for years and know that by choosing my company to undertake works on their pride and joy, they will receive fantastic workmanship alongside a personalised service. We would never advise you doing anything to your vehicle which was unnecessary as some garages do purely for profit, priding ourselves on our honest core values. My son, who was trained in-house alongside me, has branched out into classic and vintage race cars and is fast gaining a fantastic reputation for his first-class trimming, and my eldest grandson Lewis is now working with me and is undergoing his apprenticeship too. Three more grandsons are also looking to come on board and keep this garage running with a strong family presence.

Unit 2 The Workshops, Thicket Lane, Halnaker, PO180QS

Whatlington Garage

4.4/5

Whatlington Garage

Woodmans Green Road, Battle, TN33 0NL

LMC Auto Services Ltd

4.0/5

Our owner Lee Cripps set up LMC Auto Services in 2001 with just £150 and a Ford Escort van, and we have been serving customers in Pulborough and the wider community ever since! The business grew quickly and the garage opened in 2005. We now have a team of six dedicated, loyal and highly qualified employees who work on approximately 300 cars a month. From the outset Lee wanted to provide an honest and reliable service, ensuring that excellent customer service was given at all times – something that continues to be extremely important to all members of the team to this day. Since opening we have worked hard to build a reputation of offering value for money to the Pulborough community and the large amount of repeat custom we receive is testament to this. We are Members of: Checkatrade.com The good garage scheme Trading standards buy with confidence RMI Trust my garage RAC Approved garage

7 And 8 Station Approach, Pulborough, RH201AQ

A J Robertson LTD

3.8/5

A J Robertson LTD

1-8 Albert Mews, Hove, BN32PP

Thwaites Mot & Service Centre Ltd

3.1/5

Thwaites Mot & Service Centre Ltd is a family-run independent garage, situated in a new purpose built workshop in Portslade. Now offering state of the art technology to service, fault-find and maintain your New Mini. Thwaites Mot & Service Centre have been servicing the Motor Industry for 15 over years, just outside Brighton City Centre, we are also members of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (Independent Garage Association), subscribing to their quality control programme & abiding by their codes of practice. We service, repair & carry out M.O.T Testing on motorcycles and motor vehicles, which can be arranged either by telephone appointment or can be booked online. Courtesy cars are available for local use when available, our retail range includes tyres, batteries, exhaust systems, brakes and a full range of parts for a wide range of vehicles, with parts deliveries made to our workshops several times a day.

Unit 1 William Street Trading Estate, William Street, Portslade, BN41 1PZ

MSC Wisborough Limited

3.0/5

WE ARE OPEN, BUSINESS AS USUAL. We are an honest, friendly and reliable independently run business. We specialize in Servicing, MOT's and all repairs on vehicles. We have a brilliant team of technicians whom are hardworking and honest. We are located in Wisborough Green. During COVID-19 we are following all guidelines put in place by the health of England. We are offering free collection and delivery for anyone within a 15 mile radius. At MSC Mot and service centre we believe that customer service and satisfaction is our number one priority. We are part of the Good Garage Scheme, and the RAC. We take pride in our reputation and helping others. We wish you all the best during COVID-19.

Msc Newpound Service Station, Wisborough Green, RH140AZ

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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