Portsmouth is Britain’s only island city, and its MOT test centres are packed onto Portsea Island and the mainland approaches — from Southsea’s seafront streets and Fratton’s terraces to North End, Copnor and Cosham. Parking is famously tight and the routes on and off the island are limited, so choosing the right test centre matters more here than in most places. The search below lists real, currently-approved DVSA stations across the PO postcode area, with names, addresses and phone numbers.
🔍 Find DVSA-Approved MOT Stations Near You
Search 22,988 active MOT test stations from the official DVSA register. Enter your postcode or town:
Station data loads only when you search — sourced from the official DVSA active stations list.
How to Use the Search
Type your postcode or area — “PO4”, “PO1 3AB” or “Southsea” will all work — and pick your vehicle class, with Class 4 pre-selected for most cars. Results show genuine DVSA-approved test stations with their trading name, full address, phone number and approved vehicle classes, all from the official DVSA active stations register. Phone the station to confirm its opening hours and book your appointment.
Areas Covered in Portsmouth
- Southsea
- Fratton
- North End
- Copnor
- Cosham
- Drayton
- Farlington
- Milton
Portsmouth on the Map
You will find test centres along Fratton Road, Kingston Road, London Road through North End and Cosham, and on the commercial estates at Farlington. Use the map to get your bearings, then search your postcode above for exact listings with phone numbers.
Booking Tips for Portsmouth Drivers
- Plan around the island: with only three road routes onto Portsea Island — the M275, A27 and A3 — rush-hour queues build quickly, so book a mid-morning slot and allow extra travelling time.
- Check the parking situation: much of Southsea and Fratton is residents’ permit parking, so confirm with the garage where you should leave your car.
- Summer ferry traffic: cross-channel and Isle of Wight ferry traffic swells in summer — mainland centres in Cosham or Drayton can be calmer at peak times.
- Stick to main roads: do not rely on sat-nav shortcuts near the naval base area; keep to the main roads when heading to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MOT cost in Portsmouth?
The legal maximum for a car (Class 4) is £54.85, and no test centre may charge more. Many Portsmouth garages charge less, so comparing a couple of quotes is worthwhile. The fee covers the test only, not repairs.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
You will receive a VT30 refusal notice listing the defects. If the vehicle stays at the test station and is retested within 10 working days, the partial retest is free. Bring it back to the same station within 10 working days and you will pay at most half the test fee; after 10 working days, or at a different station, it is a full test at the full fee.
Can I drive without a valid MOT in Portsmouth?
Only to a pre-booked MOT test or a pre-arranged repair — anything else risks a fine of up to £1,000, and ANPR cameras will detect a car with no MOT automatically.
Should I empty my car before the MOT?
The tester needs clear access to the seatbelts, pedals and boot, so remove any clutter beforehand. Also make sure there is at least a quarter of a tank of fuel, as the engine needs to reach operating temperature for the emissions test.