MOT Inspection Checklist: Pass Your MOT Test on the First Attempt

2. Wheels and Tyres

Wheels and tyres are key safety components checked during an MOT test for tread depth, tyre condition, and wheel security.

Vehicle owners should check that their cars and light vans have a minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm across the legally required area before the MOT test.

They should also make sure that tyres do not have serious cuts, bulges, exposed cords, or other visible damage, and the wheels should remain securely fitted to reduce the risk of an MOT failure. 

3. Windscreen, Wipers and Washers

The MOT tester inspects the windscreen, wipers, and washers of the vehicle for windscreen damage, clear visibility, wiper blade condition, and proper washer operation during MOT checks.

Vehicle drivers should inspect the windscreen for chips or cracks before the test, particularly in the driver's view area.

The windscreen can fail the MOT if damage within the driver’s view exceeds the permitted 10mm limit, as larger chips or cracks may obstruct clear visibility and affect road safety.

Vehicle owners should also check for damage elsewhere in the swept area, as damage exceeding 40 mm results in a failure.

The wiper blades should be checked for damage and proper contact with the windscreen, while the washer jets should be tested to confirm that they operate correctly and provide adequate coverage.

These pre-MOT checks help identify visibility-related issues before the MOT and reduce the risk of an MOT retest.

4. Steering and Suspension

A vehicle's steering and suspension systems are checked during the MOT test for excessive play, resistance, component condition, and safe vehicle control.

Drivers should inspect the springs and dampers for damage, corrosion, leaks, or other visible signs of wear before the MOT.

The steering should be checked for unusual movement, excessive play, or resistance, and the power steering should operate normally.

Any unusual noises, changes in steering response, or signs of suspension damage should be addressed to reduce the risk of a failure caused by faults affecting vehicle control.

5. Headlights and Indicators

Vehicle lighting is an important part of the MOT inspection, covering the operation and condition of headlamps, sidelights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, and rear fog lights where fitted.

Vehicle drivers should test all exterior lights and check for blown bulbs, damaged lenses, or lights that do not operate correctly, as these faults can result in an MOT failure.

They should also check headlamps for correct alignment to prevent dazzling other road users.

Brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, and rear fog lights should operate correctly and remain securely fitted before the vehicle is taken for its MOT test.

6. Exhaust and Emissions

Fuel-powered vehicles undergo exhaust and emissions checks during the MOT test to assess emissions levels, visible smoke, exhaust condition, and excessive noise.

Vehicle owners should inspect the exhaust system before the test for visible damage, leaks, loose or insecure mountings, and signs of excessive wear.

The vehicle should also be checked for unusual exhaust noise or excessive smoke, as high emissions or a noisy exhaust can result in an MOT failure.

These checks can help identify potential exhaust or emissions-related defects before the MOT.

7. Seats and Seatbelts

Seats and seatbelts are checked during the MOT test for seat security, movement, and seatbelt condition and operation.

Vehicle drivers should check if the driver's seat adjusts normally and locks securely.

They should see that seatbelts have secure anchorage points, working locking mechanisms, adequate tensioning and proper retraction, with no significant damage.

The rear seats should be checked for secure operation, while each seatbelt should be inspected for wear and tested for correct locking and release.

8. Horn

The horn is checked during the MOT test to confirm that it produces a clear, sufficiently loud sound that can be heard by other road users.

UK Vehicle owners should test the horn before the MOT and ensure it does not produce multiple notes or a tune, as novelty horns of this type are not permitted.

9. Brake System

The braking system is a critical part of the MOT inspection, with checks covering pedal resistance, pad wear, disc condition, hydraulic function, and parking brake operation.

Drivers should check the brake pedal for unusual resistance and inspect the pads and discs for visible wear or damage before the MOT.

They should also assess braking effectiveness and balance to ensure the vehicle can stop safely and check the ABS warning light where the system is fitted.

Any signs of hydraulic leaks or other braking issues should be addressed to reduce the risk of an MOT failure.

10. Fuel and Engine Oil

Fuel and engine oil are essential parts of the MOT test because the tester runs the engine and completes the required emissions checks.

Insufficient fuel or engine oil results in the vehicle being refused for testing because the engine must be run for emissions testing, which requires sufficient fuel and oil for safe operation.

Vehicle owners should therefore check the fuel cap sealing, fuel-line routing, and fuel tank for signs of corrosion or leaks before the MOT.

11. Doors, Bonnet and Boot

The doors, bonnet, and boot are checked during the MOT test to confirm that they close securely and that their locking mechanisms operate correctly.

Vehicle owners should open and close each door, the bonnet, and the boot to confirm that they latch securely without excessive resistance.

The hinges and latch mechanisms should be checked before the MOT for significant wear or damage that could affect their operation.

Drivers should also test the child lock to help prevent a security-related MOT defect.

12. Mirrors

Mirrors are checked during the MOT inspection to ensure they provide the driver with the required rearward view and remain securely positioned.

Vehicle drivers should inspect each required mirror for cracks, loose fittings, or other damage that could affect visibility.

They should ensure the mirror provides a clear, unobstructed rearward view and remains secure when adjusted, as damage affecting visibility results in an MOT failure.

13. Underbody Structure

The MOT inspection checks the vehicle's underbody for structural damage, corrosion, and insecure components that could affect its safety.

Drivers should examine underbody components such as the floorpan, subframe, cross-members, and exhaust mounting points for significant deterioration or damage that could compromise structural integrity.

They should also inspect accessible underbody areas before the MOT and look for visible rust, damage, or loose exhaust mountings that could lead to an MOT defect.

Can I Get My MOT Test Done at a Council Test Centre?

Yes, you can get your MOT test done at a council test centre, as these centres are DVSA-approved and open to the public.

Council-run facilities do not carry out vehicle repairs, which makes them an impartial option for motorists seeking an unbiased MOT inspection.

MOT fees at council test centres are subject to the same maximum fee limits that apply to other approved MOT testing centres.

You can read our page on Council MOT Testing to learn more about how council-run MOT centres work and what to expect from the test.

Is the MOT Test Different for Electric Cars?

Yes, the MOT test for an electric car is different from a standard petrol or diesel vehicle because exhaust and emissions checks do not apply to electric vehicles.

The MOT inspection for electric cars still covers safety-critical components such as tyres, brakes, suspension, mirrors and lighting to ensure the vehicle meets essential roadworthiness standards.

Electric vehicles also receive specific checks for battery security, high-voltage wiring, and dashboard warning systems to identify faults that could affect vehicle safety. 

What Documents Are Required for an MOT Test?

Motorists do not need to bring physical documents when taking a vehicle for an MOT test.

The test centre can access the vehicle's MOT history digitally using its registration number, so a paper certificate is unnecessary.

A V5C registration document is required in specific circumstances, such as when a vehicle is having its first MOT or has recently had its registration plate changed.

Drivers should check these MOT test requirements beforehand to help avoid delays on the day of the test.

Can an MOT Test Be Done Early?

Yes, an MOT test can be done before the current certificate expires.

An inspection carried out up to one month minus one day before the expiry date preserves the original renewal date.

Testing earlier than one month minus one day changes the renewal date, with the new MOT expiry date calculated from the date of the early test.

Do I Get a 14-Day MOT Grace Period?

No, you will not get a 14-day MOT grace period after your certificate expires; this is a common misconception.

It is illegal to drive a vehicle with an expired MOT, except when travelling directly to a pre-booked MOT test under the relevant legal conditions.

A vehicle that has an expired MOT must be declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) if it is not being used under a permitted exception.

What Does an MOT Advisory Item Mean?

An MOT advisory item is a note recorded by the MOT tester when a vehicle component shows wear, deterioration, or a potential defect but does not meet the threshold for an MOT failure.

Advisory items appear on the MOT certificate and indicate issues that should be monitored or repaired before the next test to reduce the risk of failure.

You can use our MOT Advisory Check to review your vehicle's advisory items and identify areas that may need attention before the next MOT.

How Do I Run an MOT History Check?

You can run an MOT history check by entering the vehicle's registration number into the search field of an MOT history service.

This check provides previous MOT results, advisory notes, failure records, recorded mileage, and MOT expiry dates to help you assess the vehicle's test history.

Drivers can use CarVeto's MOT History Check to review a vehicle's previous MOT records.

Is My Car Insurance Valid Without an MOT?

Yes, your car insurance is valid without an MOT, but an expired MOT affects your cover depending on your policy terms and the circumstances of a claim.

Motorists become personally liable for repair or other financial costs if an insurer refuses or limits a claim because the vehicle did not meet the policy conditions or roadworthiness requirements.

What Are the Common MOT Failures and How to Prevent Them?

The table below gives the most common MOT failures, their failure rates, and the preventive checks drivers can perform before the test.