Every car older than three years needs to take a yearly annual MOT test at an authorised garage. Knowing exactly what they'll look at during the test can help you prepare ahead of time. It can also help you avoid high repair fees at the last minute. This checklist will break down what to expect at your next MOT.
The MOT test is a necessary evil. It certifies your vehicle is safe to drive on UK public roads and meets environmental standards. So, everyone who owns a vehicle older than three years needs to carry a valid MOT certificate to legally drive.
The typical MOT test duration is roughly 45 minutes to an hour and costs no more than £54.85 for private passenger cars.
But, of course, there's no guarantee the test starts on time. And failure could result in charges on top of whatever your MOT test costs (repairs amount to £150 on average).
Suffice it to say, the day of your MOT test can be quite unpredictable. Knowing what they'll check ahead of time is the first step to setting your mind at ease. Use this article to check your vehicle and make small repairs before your MOT test to avoid a failure.
What checks are included in an MOT test?
When you show up for your MOT test, the inspector will move through a standardised checklist to ensure your car is roadworthy.
Aside from your MOT documents, here's everything they will check:
Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension
Your inspector will look at:
- tyre condition, tread depth, and size
- whether your tyres are properly seated on the rim.
- axle condition, including its mountings.
- your wheels' general condition, security to the hub and alignment (there should be no excessive play).
- overall suspension performance as well as any repair damage or corrosion that could affect it.
Steering
The MOT tester will also thoroughly check your vehicle's steering and suspension components.
They will assess:
the overall condition of the steering system, ensuring it's free from excessive wear or damage that could hinder its operation.
- the power steering fluid level and any visible leaks from the power steering system.
- the security and condition of the steering wheel and steering column.
- the operation and condition of the front suspension, shock absorbers, and coil springs.
- the operation and condition of the rear suspension, including leaf springs for light commercial vehicles.
Slackness, detachability, faulty power assist and low power steering fluid levels are the most common steering and suspension failures. Significant problems sometimes take longer to fix. If you notice issues while driving, you should definitely look into them before your MOT.
Brakes
Your inspector will check:
- whether your warning lights work and respond as expected.
- the general condition, including appropriate brake fluid levels, leaks, pads/discs for wear, efficiency of the handbrake from inside and outside the car.
It's generally easy to catch a worn brake pad yourself before your MOT. If you hear a screeching or grinding noise when you hit the brakes, it's probably time to replace your pads and rotors.
Body, vehicle structure and general items
Your body and vehicle structure have to be in good condition and free from any damage or excessive deterioration that could pose a risk. This doesn't mean every scratch and dent will have an impact on your MOT test. But any damage that is sharp or sticking out could be deemed unsafe.
During this check, the inspector will look at:
- bodywork security, condition and free of excessive corrosion or damage.
- checks for sharp edges or projections likely to cause injury.
- latch security and load-bearing capacity (doors, chassis and boot)
- bumpers, towbars and guards' security (no excessive damage)
- spare wheel carrier
They'll also look at your mirrors, fuel system and exhaust to ensure they're safe and secure. We'll cover those in different sections.
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Brake fluid contamination
Brake fluid is the hydraulic fluid that amplifies braking force in a vehicle's braking system. It operates under high temperatures and pressure to ensure your car stops when you brake.
It's essential for proper braking system function and ensures the safety of occupants and other road users. So, it's one of the most important components the MOT test examines.
The inspector will check your brake fluid's condition and colour. If it contains air, water or the colour is black, you could fail your MOT test. In this case, a mechanic at the garage will have to flush and replace your old brake fluid.
Brake pad warning lights
If your brakes aren't functioning, you'll want to know. Otherwise, you pose a significant danger to yourself and other motorists.
The inspector will look at your brake pads' condition and check the warning light on the dashboard. The only time you should worry is if the warning light doesn't illuminate when it's supposed to or stays lit after starting.
Tip: Test your warning light by turning on your ignition but without starting the engine. Within seconds, you should see the light coming on and then off. If you don't, you probably have an electrical fault.
Fuel system
The fuel system plays a critical role in the MOT inspection. Address leaks and faults promptly to minimize fire risk.
Inefficient fuel systems can also result in higher emissions, which is an important aspect of the MOT test for environmental standards.
During the MOT test, the inspector thoroughly examines your vehicle's fuel system for leaks and overall condition. They check the security and condition of fuel lines, hoses and reservoirs, as well as the fuel cap for proper fit and seal to prevent harmful emissions. The inspector also ensures there are no unauthorized modifications or additions to the fuel system that could compromise safety or emissions.
If your vehicle's fuel system is not in good working order, it will likely fail the MOT, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and checks.
Exhaust emissions
It might be a no-brainer that your car should have an appropriate level of emission to pass its MOT test.
Still, there are many reasons why it could fail in this category:
- a faulty catalytic converter
- corroded exhaust pipes or silencer box
- engine, air-fuel ratio or valve timing issues
- excessive smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe
The inspector will perform several tests to measure emissions and ensure they're within acceptable limits set by law.
They'll also check for any visible smoke or fumes coming out of your vehicle's exhaust. If any of these tests fail, you'll need to address the underlying issues and retest before your vehicle can pass its MOT.
Tip: Regular maintenance and servicing, including changing filters, fluids and tuning, can significantly reduce emissions and improve overall performance.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) for tampering
If your vehicle has a diesel engine and it's fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), the inspector will check for signs of tampering. All diesel vehicles from 2009 onward have one, so there's a good chance yours does.
The DPF system is designed to minimize harmful emissions from diesel engines by trapping soot particles. If tampered with, the filter may not function correctly, resulting in higher emissions and potential harm to the environment.
Additionally, any modifications made to the DPF system can compromise your vehicle's safety.
Fluid leaks other than coolant and Adblue
During an MOT test, the inspector will look for any fluid leaks that could pose a safety risk. These include brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid or oil leaks.
According to DVSA guidelines, a vehicle will not pass the MOT if a fluid leak creates a puddle on the floor larger than 75mm in diameter within five minutes. It'll also fail if there are multiple leaks that collectively release fluid at the same rate.
Lights, battery, and electrical wiring
Your MOT tester will examine numerous electrical components to ensure they function correctly.
- Lights — Headlamps, front and rear position lamps, stop lights, direction indicators, hazard lights, reversing lights, fog lights, daytime running lights and number plate lamps. The inspector will check if they work correctly, are aligned properly, have no cracks or damage and display the correct colour.
- Battery — The battery must be placed in a secure position and have no signs of excessive corrosion. It should also hold enough charge to start your vehicle without needing a jump-start.
- Electrical wiring — Your MOT tester will also check the condition and security of all electrical wiring, including the battery cables, alternator connections, fuses and relays. They'll look for damaged wires or corrosion that could lead to electrical system malfunction.
When looking at your lights, the inspector will also check how well they switch between settings. They'll use the levers on the steering column and dashboard switches.
Now, headlamp aim is more critical than it used to be — a headlamp will fail if its horizontal cut-off is above 0.5% or below 2.75%.
You can also fail for foggy or dirty headlights.
Horn
Depending on your vehicle's horn sound and performance, it will either be a minor or major defect.
Slight improper function might fail your MOT, but an ineffective horn that doesn't produce a sound when it's supposed to will.
The inspector will also check for any unauthorized modifications or additions to the horn system. If it sounds "harsh or grating" or sounds too similar to an emergency services vehicle, you will fail.
Number plates and VIN
For cars in the UK to comply with road regulations, they are required to have specific number plates. At the front of the vehicle, a white plate made of reflective material should be displayed, featuring black characters. At the rear, a yellow plate with black characters should be used to display the registration number. However, it should be noted that there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Dimensions, font spacing and character height also have specific requirements for your car to pass its MOT. If any of these are not met, the vehicle will fail.
If your VIN is missing, incomplete, illegible or obviously falsified, you'll fail. The test centre will also mark a major defect if they can't find the VIN or more than one different one is displayed.
Seatbelts
As previously mentioned, seat belts are one of your vehicle's most essential safety features. During the MOT test, your seat belts will be inspected for their condition and functionality.
- Webbing — The webbing on your seat belt should not have excessive wear, fraying or cuts that could compromise its strength in case of an accident.
- Buckles — Your seat belt buckles must work correctly and lock firmly into place when in use.
- Retractors — The seat belt retractor mechanism must properly work, retracting the webbing smoothly and securely.
Speedometer
To pass the MOT test, the speedometer must be intact, well-organized, and free from any fluttering, sticking, intermittent or non-functioning gauges.
There are a few causes for a faulty speedometer:
- a blown fuse
- broken gauges
- damaged wiring harnesses
- bad sensors
The test centre will verify your speedometer's accuracy by comparing it to a calibrated speed measuring device, ensuring it does not show a higher speed than the actual vehicle's velocity. Your vehicle will fail its MOT test if your speedometer does not meet these benchmarks.
Visibility (wipers, windscreen, mirrors)
This is one of the most common fails and easiest fixes. During the MOT test, your vehicle's front and rear windscreen wipers will be checked for proper function and condition.
- Wipers — The wiper blades must clean the windscreen efficiently, with no missing rubber or excessive wear. They should also have no damage to the arm or any fittings that could cause them to fail.
- Windscreen — The MOT tester will check the windscreen for cracks, chips and damage that could impair your roadview. If any defects are larger than 10mm in the area swept by wipers, it will result in a failed test.
- Mirrors — All mirrors must be securely attached and not cracked or damaged to provide clear visibility of surrounding vehicles. If your view of the road is obstructed due to a damaged mirror, your vehicle will fail its MOT.
What if your car fails its MOT?
What if your car fails its MOT?
Your car could fail its MOT test for any of the above categories. On the bright side, the majority of the most common MOT fails are easy fixes. Something as simple as replacing a light bulb, topping up your windshield wiper fluid or changing the oil might put you on your way.
Here are the steps you'll go through if you fail your MOT:
- Issue a 'fail' certificate. Unless you have time before your current MOT expires, it's illegal for the garage to let you drive off with your failed car. They'll give you a refusal of an MOT (VT30 certificate) and advise you of the repairs they need to make.
- Make necessary repairs. Repairs will probably take 30-60 minutes. But, again, this depends entirely on whether the mechanic has the right parts on hand. It might be an all-day ordeal if they're backed up, have to source the parts or have to make a larger repair.
- Retest your vehicle. The same garage must retest your vehicle, no matter what. If it's done within 10 working days (which it should be if the repairs happen on the spot), the retest is free. After 10 days, you might have to pay a partial retest fee, up to 50%.
- Billing. The garage will bill you once you pass. This means you'll be completely at their mercy when it comes to repair costs. We strongly recommend looking closely at reviews at each test centre in your area before selecting one, rather than simply choosing the one offering the cheapest test for your car.
Wrapping up
In the end, a failed MOT test isn't that big of a deal. But it's definitely a headache. To save yourself the hassle and potential costs, review this checklist and verify your car is up to par before your next MOT test.
If you have to make any repairs, it's better to make them ahead of the test. That way, you'll get the best price, you'll have time to shop around and you won't have to spend a whole day with your car at the test centre.
Want to learn more? These are the questions drivers ask us most.
Is oil checked during an MOT?
Oil is one of the many components checked during an MOT. The mechanic will check the oil level and look for leaks. An oil leak will cause a failed MOT (though small leaks are generally classed as minor faults). Low oil or coolant won't result in a failure, but the inspector will refuse to continue the test. This will cause significant inconveniences on your test day.
Is the condition of the interior examined?
Your MOT inspector will look at your car interior as part of the MOT test. They will look closely at your seat belts, seats, hazard and warning lights, and even cleanliness when evaluating your vehicle for roadworthiness. Aesthetic faults might not cause an outright fail, but functional problems with the seat belts or hazard lights certainly will.
Are mirrors assessed for proper visibility?
Yes, mirrors are assessed during an MOT. They're crucial for visibility and thus, road safety. The tester will evaluate the condition of the rear-view and side mirrors, checking for secure attachment, clear reflection, and proper adjustment capabilities. Missing, broken, or obscured mirrors can result in an MOT failure.
Is the engine performance evaluated in an MOT?
If your 'check engine' light stays on throughout the entire MOT test, the inspector will class this as a major fault. The MOT test does not, however, factor in the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox. However, it's worth noting that significant problems with these components could result in the engine management light being triggered.