Car MOT Checklist:
Everything Checked in 2025
What Is a Car MOT Checklist?
A car MOT checklist is a pre-inspection guide UK drivers use to identify faults before their vehicle undergoes the annual MOT test.
It focuses on the 20+ testable components defined by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure road safety, environmental compliance, and mechanical reliability.
The checklist covers:
- Tyres: tread depth, sidewall condition, and legal PSI range
- Lights: headlamps, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights
- Brakes: pedal resistance, pad wear, discs, and hydraulic function
- Suspension & steering: play, alignment, and shock absorber integrity
- Exhaust system: emission output, leaks, and mounting security
- Visibility components: mirrors, windscreen, wipers, washer jets
- Vehicle ID & alerts: registration plate, VIN location, horn signal
Minor faults can trigger test failure without these pre-checks, leading to repair delays and avoidable costs. DVSA data shows that 1 in 3 MOT failures stem from issues like blown bulbs, worn tyres, or low fluid levels, all of which can be fixed in advance.
What to Expect From This Checklist Guide?
This guide offers a complete preparation path for your 2025 MOT, designed for drivers, car buyers, and fleet managers. You’ll receive:
✔️ A 12-point MOT pre-checklist for quick, at-home inspections
✔️ A breakdown of DVSA’s full MOT test coverage by component group
✔️ A list of common MOT failures, with direct prevention advice
✔️ Specialized checklists for motorcycles, electric cars, Class 7 vans, and motorhomes
✔️ Instructions for checking MOT due dates, expiry rules, and DVLA-compliant exemptions
✔️ A downloadable MOT checklist PDF, optimised for print or mobile use
Each section is grounded in official UK guidance and enhanced with CarVeto’s proprietary MOT check history, which includes millions of anonymised test records since 2005.
Run a Free MOT History Check
Get a Customised Report of Pass, Fail and Advisory Notes
DVLA driven data
What Should I Check Before My MOT Test?
✅ Pre-MOT Checks to Avoid Failure
A pre-MOT check is a routine inspection before submitting your vehicle to an MOT test centre. It helps detect minor, easily fixable faults, among the top causes of test failure under DVSA regulations.
Drivers can complete these checks at home in under 30 minutes. They align with Class 4 MOT standards and are especially useful for cars, small vans, and dual-purpose vehicles.
Failing to address these areas can lead to a VT30 MOT refusal certificate, invalidating your insurance and road tax eligibility.
📄 Downloadable MOT Checklist PDF
A CarVeto MOT checklist PDF is available for download and formatted for print or smartphone use.
➡️ [Download Pre-MOT Checklist – 2025]
It’s ideal for private owners, dealerships, and anyone preparing vehicles for sale or inspection.
🔧 12-Point MOT Pre-Check (UK 2025 Standard)
No | Item | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
1 | VIN Number | Confirm the Vehicle Identification Number matches the V5C logbook and is visible on the chassis or windscreen plate. |
2 | Number Plate | Ensure both plates are clean, securely attached, and display legal font and spacing. |
3 | Vehicle Cleanliness | Clear all windows, mirrors, and lights. Remove loose items from the cabin and boot. |
4 | Windscreen | Check for chips over 10mm in the driver’s view or 40mm elsewhere in the wiper sweep. |
5 | Wipers & Washers | Wipers must clean effectively; washer jets must spray screenwash evenly. |
6 | Mirrors | Side and rear-view mirrors must be crack-free, adjustable, and firmly mounted. |
7 | Lighting | Test all bulbs: headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, and fog lamps. |
8 | Tyres | Check that tread depth is at least 1.6mm; inspect for bulges, cuts, or exposed cords |
9 | Brake System | Press the brake pedal. Feel should be firm. Check brake fluid levels and top up if low. |
10 | Steering & Suspension | Turn the wheel fully in both directions; check for knocking sounds or play. |
11 | Horn | Ensure it emits a continuous, clearly audible tone when pressed. |
12 | Fluid Levels | Top-up engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and screenwash to manufacturer-specified levels. |
What Does the MOT Test Cover in 2025?
✅ What’s Assessed During an MOT Inspection
A Class 4 MOT test is a legal requirement for most UK vehicles over three years old, including passenger cars, small vans, and dual-purpose vehicles.
Administered by a DVSA-authorised MOT tester, it assesses specific components that affect road safety, vehicle identification, and emissions compliance.
The test does not cover the engine, clutch, or gearbox. Instead, it focuses on physical and electronic systems that determine whether the car is safe, visible, and traceable in traffic and legal databases.
Failure to meet any standard results in a VT30 refusal certificate, and driving the vehicle may become illegal unless it's pre-booked for repair or retesting.
🔍 What Is Checked During the MOT? (2025 DVSA Standard)
Category | Inspected Components |
|---|---|
Vehicle Identification | VIN location and visibility; registration plate condition and legality |
Braking System | Brake pedal feel, brake fluid warning light, pad thickness, disc integrity |
Tyres & Wheels | Minimum tread depth (1.6mm), condition, bulges, cuts, wheel bolt tightness |
Lights & Indicators | Functionality and alignment of all lamps: head, side, brake, fog, reverse, signal |
Suspension & Steering | Play, resistance, spring and damper condition, power steering performance |
Exhaust & Emissions | CO/NOx levels, visible smoke, fuel leaks, DPF presence, catalytic converter |
Visibility & Mirrors | Windscreen damage, mirror positioning and security, wiper blade condition |
Controls & Electronics | Function of dashboard alerts, horn, switches, battery mount, ESC systems |
Seatbelts & Seats | Anchorage security, locking mechanisms, tensioning, rear seat operation |
Doors, Bonnet & Boot | Secure closing, hinge and latch mechanisms, and child lock function if applicable |
Fuel System | Fuel cap sealing, line routing, tank corrosion or leaks |
Underbody Structure | Floorpan integrity, corrosion, exhaust mounting, subframe and cross-member soundness |
What are the Common MOT Failures, and How to Prevent Them?
A vehicle fails its MOT when it does not meet the DVSA’s roadworthiness or environmental standards.
The result is a VT30 refusal certificate, which lists the reasons for failure under two categories:
- Major Defect: Requires repair before a pass can be issued; driving may still be legal if the previous MOT remains valid and no dangerous fault exists.
- Dangerous Defect: Driving is prohibited until the issue is corrected, even if the vehicle’s prior MOT certificate has expired.
Mechanical breakdowns do not cause most MOT failures. They result from preventable faults, often overlooked during regular vehicle use.
🔍 UK’s Most Frequent MOT Failures
(DVSA Reporting, 2023–24)
Category | % Of Failures | Example of Defects |
|---|---|---|
Lighting & Signals | 29.6% | Blown headlamps, faulty indicators, misaligned beams |
Suspension | 20.2% | Broken springs, leaking shocks, insecure suspension mounts |
Brakes | 17.2% | Worn brake pads, ABS faults, brake fluid leaks |
Tyres | 10.4% | Tread depth < 1.6mm, sidewall damage, uneven wear |
Visibility | 8.3% | Worn wiper blades, blocked washer jets, cracked mirrors |
Registration Plates | 4.5% | Illegible characters, incorrect spacing, loose fittings |
🛠️ Proactive Steps to Avoid Failure
Preventing Action | Corresponding Fault Avoided |
|---|---|
Prevents lighting & signal defects | Replace worn bulbs and check beam aim |
Confirm tyre tread and pressure | Prevents tyre-related MOT fails |
Inspect brake fluid & pedal firmness | It helps detect worn braking components before the test |
Clean windscreen & refill washer fluid | Prevents visibility test failure |
Check plate fixings & character clarity | Prevents VT30s caused by non-compliant ID plates |
Listen for suspension noise | Identifies component wear before it becomes critical |
How Do You Pass the Car MOT on the First Attempt? Proven Methods
Most first-time MOT failures are avoidable. The top causes, faulty lights, worn tyres, and worn brakes, are predictable, preventable, and inexpensive to resolve.
This section presents a 3-step pass strategy based on DVSA defect patterns and CarVeto’s vehicle check data.
✅ 1. Resolve Advisory Items from Your Previous MOT
If your last MOT included advisories, these components will likely be borderline or defective. Address them before booking:
- Tyres labelled as worn close to the legal limit
Brakes with pads near minimum thickness or noise under pressure - Suspension marked as corroded but not seriously weakened.
You can retrieve your last VT32 Advisory Notice from DVSA records or request it from your previous test centre.
✅ 2. Perform a Pre-MOT Walkaround with a Checklist
Don’t guess, check. Before test day, use a structured inspection covering:
- Lights and indicators
- Number plates (legal font, spacing, secure fixings)
- Tyres (tread depth ≥1.6mm, no bulges or cracking)
- Windscreen & wipers (clear sweep, no tears or chips)
- Horn, mirrors, washer jets, brake fluid level
Refer to CarVeto’s MOT Pre-Check PDF to reduce your risk of a VT30 failure.
✅ 3. Book a Pre-Test Service 2–3 Weeks Before Your MOT
Servicing is not part of the MOT, but it helps fix borderline issues before inspection:
- Brake discs near minimum thickness
- Shock absorbers with early-stage leaks
- Faults with emissions control (DPF warning lights, fuel system leaks)
Booking early also allows time for parts sourcing, repairs, and a free partial retest (within 10 working days).
What’s the Legal Status of an Expired MOT Certificate?
When your MOT expires, your vehicle will no longer be legally roadworthy under UK regulations.
Its status changes in the DVSA’s central MOT database, and driving it on public roads is prohibited unless strictly exempt.
✅ When You Can Drive Without an MOT (Two Legal Exceptions)
The only permitted scenarios are:
- To a pre-booked MOT test at a registered testing centre
- To or from a repair garage only if the test outcome is not classified as dangerous
These exemptions are narrow. Police may request evidence of the appointment, and failure to provide proof can result in prosecution.
🚫 Penalties for Driving Without an MOT
Offence | Consequence |
|---|---|
Driving without a valid MOT | Fine up to £1,000 |
Driving a vehicle classed as dangerous | Up to £2,500 fine + 3 points |
MOT expired & no SORN declaration | Vehicle tax evasion offence |
Driving with an expired MOT = invalid insurance | Claims may be denied |
📅 MOT Renewal Logic: Early Testing Period
- MOT certificates are valid for 12 months
- You may test the vehicle for up to 1 month minus 1 day early
- The original expiry date will be carried forward
Example:
If your MOT expires on 10 August, you can book the test on 11 July without affecting the next renewal cycle.
❌ No Grace Period Exists
There is no post-expiry grace period.
The vehicle must either:
- Pass a test before the expiry date
- Be declared SORN if unused
A valid MOT is a legal prerequisite for:
- Vehicle tax renewal
- Insurance validity
- Lawful public road use
What are the MOT Test Requirements by Vehicle Type?
MOT standards are not identical across all vehicles. The DVSA classifies vehicles by weight, use, and design; each category has specific test criteria.
While many components overlap with Class 4 MOTs, others include additional inspections, exemptions, or stricter tolerances.
🏍️ Motorcycle MOT (Class 1 & 2)
Components | Test Criteria |
|---|---|
Lights & indicators | Beam pattern, function from both brake levers |
Braking system | Hydraulic and mechanical lever response, pad/disc wear |
Steering & forks | Free movement, no leaks, secure bearings |
Tyres & wheels | Legal tread pattern, damage or deformation |
Frame/VIN | Integrity check, readable frame number |
💷 Max fee: £29.65 (solo), £37.80 (with sidecar)
🔌 Electric Vehicles (EVs)
EVs follow Class 4 rules with emissions testing excluded.
Additional focus areas include:
Item | EV Specific Checks |
|---|---|
High voltage cabling | Secure rooting, intact insulation, warning cables |
Battery housing | Physical security, underbody mounting |
Regenerative brakes | Must activate correctly without fault codes |
Dashboard lights | Functional state-of-charge, warning light logic |
⚠️ EVs remain subject to all safety-critical MOT checks.
🚚 Class 7 MOT – Heavier Goods Vehicles
Vehicle Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
Weight | 3,000–3,500kg gross vehicle weight |
Brakes | Higher brake force threshold; axle-specific retarding performance |
Suspension | Load-capacity tolerances, underframe examination |
Emissions | Tighter opacity and particulate filter evaluation (especially diesel) |
💷 Max fee: £58.60
Motorhomes
Motorhomes <3,500kg default to Class 4. Distinct considerations include:
- Cabin fixtures must not obstruct driving functions
- Interior installations (beds, cookers) are not inspected but must be secure.
- Overweight models may fall under Class 5 or HGV testing.
Quad Bikes & Low-Volume Road Vehicles
Quad bikes may be subject to Class 3 or 4 testing if road-registered.
Focus Area | Required Checks |
|---|---|
Lighting set-up | Dual indicators, functioning dipped beam |
Axle Alignment | Measured track width and wheelbase compliance |
Road legal | Legal tyres, speedometer, noise control |
Your Vehicle Has Failed: What Comes Next?
A failed MOT results in a VT30 refusal certificate, which outlines:
- The specific defects
- The category assigned: Dangerous, Major, or Minor
- The legal consequence of continuing to drive the vehicle
This result is logged in the DVSA database, affecting MOT status and insurance validity.
🚗 Can You Still Drive the Vehicle?
Whether the vehicle can be legally driven depends on the following:
- The defect category
- Whether the previous MOT certificate is still valid
Defect Status | MOT Valid | Drive Legally? |
|---|---|---|
Dangerous defect | Yes or No | ❌ No — Driving is illegal |
Major defect | Valid MOT | ✅ Yes — Only to repair or retest centre |
Major defect | Expired MOT | ❌ No — Driving prohibited |
Major defects only | Yes or No | ✅ Yes — If MOT passed |
⚠️ Penalties may include:
- Up to £2,500 fine
- 3–8 penalty points
- Insurance invalidation
🔧 Repairing After an MOT Failure
You have two routes:
1. Same Garage Repairs
- Allows for immediate or next-day retesting
- May qualify for free partial retest depending on the issue
2. External Repairs + Return
- The car must be road-legal if driven
- Must return to the same MOT centre within 10 working days to qualify for a partial retest
🔁 Partial MOT Retest: Rules & Timelines
Partial retests involve checking only the failed items listed on the VT30. DVSA guidelines define retest conditions:
Scenario | Retest Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Returned same day | 🆓 Free | Applies to selected repairs (e.g., tyres, lights) |
Returned within ten working days | 💷 Reduced fee | The test covers original defect areas only |
Returned after ten working days | 💷 Full fee | New retest required |
✅ Failure Recovery Checklist
📄 Review the VT30 certificate to confirm the defect category
🧰 Book repairs; exact location preferred for test continuity
🔁 Return within 10 working days to preserve retest eligibility
❌ Do not drive with a Dangerous defect or expired MOT
Frequently Asked Questions
An MOT certificate confirms that a vehicle has passed the DVSA’s mandatory MOT test. It verifies that the car is roadworthy at the time of inspection and is valid for 12 months. The certificate includes the test and expiry dates and is recorded in the official MOT database.
You are eligible for an MOT exemption if your vehicle is over 40 years old, has not been significantly modified, and qualifies as a historic vehicle under DVLA rules. Some electric vans registered before 1 March 2015 and specific agricultural vehicles like tractors are exempt.
An MOT advisory item means a component is close to failing but hasn’t yet reached a threshold for rejection. It still functions but shows wear or deterioration. Advisories appear on your certificate and should be addressed before the next MOT to prevent future failure.
Conduct a CarVeto MOT Advisory Check.
To run an MOT history check, enter the vehicle’s registration number into the DVSA’s official tool or a third-party service like CarVeto. You’ll see past MOT results, advisory notes, failure records, mileage history, and expiry dates, valuable for owners and used car buyers.
Verify roadworthiness with a CarVeto and DVLA MOT History Check.
Yes, council-run MOT centres are DVSA-approved and open to the public. These facilities don’t offer repairs, making them impartial and ideal for drivers who want an unbiased inspection. Costs are capped at the same maximum fee as private garages.
Learn about Council MOT Testing.
Yes, the MOT test for electric vehicles excludes exhaust and emissions checks. However, all other components—such as tyres, brakes, suspension, mirrors, and lighting, are still inspected. EVs also undergo checks for battery security, high-voltage wiring, and dashboard warning systems.
A VT30 is a refusal of the MOT certificate issued when a vehicle fails its test. It lists the specific defects and their severity level (Major or Dangerous) and confirms that the car is not legally roadworthy until repaired and retested.