Mon – Fri   08:30 – 17:30 Worthing, West Sussex enquiries@autoempire.co.uk Email us

Your MOT,
done properly.

£54.85, booked online in minutes. If anything fails, we'll explain what and why, and give you a price for the repair before any work starts.

From

£54.85

DVSA max fee

  • Free retest (if we do the repairs)
  • No card required to book
  • Results explained clearly
  • No work without your approval
DVSA-approved test station

Why your car needs an MOT every year

Once your car is three years old, the law says it needs an MOT every year. The test checks the parts that keep you and everyone around you safe, including brakes, lights, tyres, steering, seatbelts and emissions.

Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and could affect your insurance.

You can book your MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and still keep the same renewal date, so there's no reason to leave it to the last minute.

3 yrs
When your first MOT is due
Annual
Frequency after that
~1 hr
How long the test takes
£54.85
Our fixed price

The MOT process at Auto Empire

  1. Book online or by phone

    Use our online booking system or call us on 01903 805222. Pick a date and time that works for you. No payment required to secure your slot.

  2. Drop off your vehicle

    Bring your vehicle to us at 74-76 Station Rd, Worthing, BN11 1JY. Drop off and leave, or stay and wait — up to you. We'll take it from there.

  3. We carry out the test

    A DVSA-authorised tester runs through every check on the official DVSA checklist. Around 45 to 60 minutes for a standard vehicle. We don't cut corners.

  4. You get the full picture

    Pass or fail, we walk you through every finding. Written results, clear explanation, honest advice on anything advisory. No jargon, no surprise bills.

What the MOT test covers

Every MOT follows the same DVSA-mandated inspection. Here's what our testers check across all eight assessment areas.

Lights & Signalling

  • Headlights (dip and main beam)
  • Indicators and hazards
  • Brake lights
  • Number plate lights
  • Fog lights

Steering & Suspension

  • Steering play and condition
  • Wheel bearings
  • Shock absorbers
  • Ball joints and track rod ends
  • Power steering

Brakes

  • Brake pad and disc condition
  • Brake fluid reservoir
  • Handbrake operation
  • Brake pipes and hoses
  • ABS warning light

Tyres & Wheels

  • Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)
  • Tyre condition and sidewalls
  • Wheel condition
  • Spare tyre (where applicable)
  • TPMS system

Seatbelts & Restraints

  • Belt operation and condition
  • Belt anchorage points
  • Child seat anchor points
  • Airbag warning lights
  • Seat condition and adjustment

Visibility & Glass

  • Windscreen condition (A-zone)
  • Wiper blades and washers
  • Mirrors (condition and adjustment)
  • Rear window and demister
  • Tinting levels

Exhaust & Emissions

  • Emissions test (petrol/diesel)
  • Exhaust system condition
  • No excessive smoke
  • Catalytic converter presence
  • EV/hybrid systems check

Bodywork & Structure

  • No sharp edges or protrusions
  • Doors open, close, and latch
  • Fuel cap seals correctly
  • VIN plate legible
  • Underbody corrosion check

Pass or fail — here's what it means

Pass

Your vehicle meets the legal minimum standards. We'll issue your certificate immediately and update the DVSA register — you can check it online via the government's MOT history tool. If we noted any advisories, we'll explain what they are and when they'll need attention.

Fail

We'll give you a written list of everything that failed, categorised by severity. Then we'll quote you for each item before touching anything. You choose what gets fixed and where. If we do the repairs, your retest is free within 10 working days. If you go elsewhere, a partial retest fee applies — we'll tell you what that is upfront.

MOT results are lodged with the DVSA in real time. You can check any vehicle's MOT history and advisory record at gov.uk/check-mot-history

The Auto Empire difference

DVSA-approved

Fully authorised test station. Every tester is DVSA-trained and the station is regularly audited. Your test is official and your certificate is valid nationwide.

Fixed price. No surprises.

£54.85 for the test, full stop. We don't manufacture advisories to generate repair work. If something fails, you get a written quote before we touch it.

Results you can understand

We explain every finding in plain English. No jargon, no vague 'it needs attention' — specific parts, specific reasons, specific next steps if needed.

Same-day repairs available

We carry out the repairs too. Common failures like bulbs, wipers, and brakes can often be fixed the same day, getting you back on the road quickly.

AudiBMWCitroënFordHondaHyundaiJaguarKiaLand RoverMercedes-BenzMiniNissanPeugeotRenaultSeatSkodaToyotaVauxhallVolkswagenVolvo

Don't see your make? We test most vehicles — call us and we'll confirm.

MOT FAQs

Everything you need to know before you book.

How much does an MOT test cost?

Our MOT is £54.85 — the DVSA maximum for a Class 4 vehicle. We don't offer "cheap" MOTs that leave you paying for upsold work you didn't need. One fixed price, no surprises.

Can I book my MOT before my current one expires?

Yes. You can book up to a calendar month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires, and your new certificate will run from your existing expiry date — so you don't lose any time. Example: if your MOT expires on 15 August, you can test from 16 July onwards.

How long does an MOT take?

Around 45 to 60 minutes for a standard Class 4 vehicle in reasonable condition. We'll call or text you as soon as it's done.

What happens if my car fails?

We'll walk you through every failure item with a clear explanation and a written quote before any work starts. Nothing gets fixed without your say-so. If you want to take it elsewhere, that's fine — we'll give you the test sheet.

Can I drive home after a failure?

It depends on the failure. Dangerous failures (marked 'D') mean the vehicle must not be driven until repaired. Major failures may be drivable if your current certificate hasn't expired yet, but you should check with us first. We'll always tell you clearly what you can and can't do.

Is there a retest fee?

No. If we carry out the repairs here, the retest is free as long as it's done within 10 working days of the original test. If you get repairs done elsewhere, a partial retest fee applies — still cheaper than a full retest.

What's the difference between an advisory and a failure?

A failure means the vehicle doesn't meet legal minimum standards and can't be certified. An advisory means something needs attention soon but isn't bad enough to fail yet. We give honest advisories — if we note something, it needs watching. We won't pad the list to generate work.

Should I service my car before the MOT?

Not necessarily. An MOT is a safety and emissions check, not a service. That said, worn wiper blades, a blown bulb, or a low tyre will fail — quick checks before you come in can save you a retest.

Can you do same-day repairs after a failure?

Often yes, depending on what's failed and whether we have the parts. Call us on 01903 805222 when you book if you want to discuss this in advance — we'll be straight with you about timings.

What vehicles do you test?

Class 4 vehicles: cars, MPVs, and light vans up to 3,000kg design gross weight with up to 8 passenger seats. Petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric. If you're unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, give us a call.

My MOT has expired. Can I still drive?

No — driving with an expired MOT is illegal (unless you're driving to a pre-booked MOT test) and will invalidate your insurance. Don't risk it. Call us and we'll get you booked in as soon as possible.

Will you tell me everything you find, even if the car passes?

Yes. The test sheet lists all failures, majors, minors, and advisories. We'll talk you through anything worth knowing — not just what failed. You'll leave with the full picture.

Do I need to stay while my car is tested?

No. Drop off and we'll contact you when it's ready. If you want to wait, you're welcome to — there's a waiting area on site.

Ready to book your MOT?

Fixed price. Honest results. Worthing's independent garage.