The Ultimate MOT Checklist

No one wants their car to fail its MOT. Beyond the hassle of rebooking, the unexpected repair bills can quickly add up. Luckily, most MOT failures are small, preventable issues that you can sort yourself before your test.

We’ve put together the ultimate MOT checklist, so you can be sure you’ve done everything you can to get your vehicle MOT- ready before it goes into the garage.

What’s included in this article?

• What is an MOT test?

• Quick pre-MOT checks

• What does an MOT test include?

  • Interior checks

  • Exterior checks

  • Under bonnet checks

  • Under vehicle checks

  • Emissions

• Ultimate MOT checklist

• Common MOT fails

• FAQs

What is an MOT test?

Simply put, an MOT test is an annual vehicle check which checks that your car meets crucial safety requirements. Almost every vehicle over three years old is legally required to pass an MOT test each year; this is to make sure that every car is up to the standards of roadworthiness necessary to keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Quick pre-MOT checks

There are plenty of small, quick checks you can carry out before an MOT, which will reduce the chances of your car failing for something minor. Here are a few things you should run through before you book yours:

• Windscreen – check for cracks and chips. Any larger than 40mm on the passenger side, or 10mm on the driver’s side, will cause your car to fail.

• Windscreen wipers – make sure your wiper blades aren’t splitting, and your windscreen washers aren’t blocked.

• Lights – ensure that all your bulbs are in full working order; if they’re dim, they may need replacement bulbs. This includes headlights, indicators, brake lights, hazard warning lights, fog lights, and your vehicle registration light.

• Engine and fuel oil – it’s important your oil levels are high enough for emissions tests to be carried out. You can measure it by checking that your oil level falls between the min and max marks on your vehicle’s dipstick.

• Tyres – check that all your tyres are sufficiently inflated, and you’ll need to have tread measuring at least 1.6mm on all four tyres to pass your MOT.

• Exhaust – make sure your exhaust isn’t rattling or emitting fumes which are unusually dark or pungent.

• Brakes – check your brakes are working effectively, and your car isn’t leaning to one side when they’re applied – don’t forget to check your handbrake, too.

• Mirrors – make sure your mirrors are clean, clear and undamaged, as well as securely attached to your vehicle.

• Dashboard lights – check that all the warning lights on your dashboard are properly functioning; you can do this by starting your car.

• Seatbelts – ensure all seatbelts in your vehicle can be fastened securely, and check that they lock when pulled suddenly.

• Horn – your horn will be tested in your MOT, so don’t forget to try it out before you drop your car off.

What does an MOT test include?

While these pre-checks are a smart way to minimise your car’s chances of failing, the MOT test itself will be much more extensive. The mechanic doing your MOT test will work through a structured checklist that covers your entire car. This test is broken down into five categories:

Interior checks

This category involves checks inside the cabin of your car, including things like your seats and seatbelts, brake controls, steering wheel, and speedometer.

Exterior checks

This section of your MOT will test several elements on the outside of your vehicle, such as your lights, mirrors, shock absorbers, tyres, and the general condition of the body of your car.

Under-bonnet checks

Unsurprisingly, this part of the MOT focuses on parts of your car under the bonnet, including your braking systems, steering and power steering components, as well as your suspension.

Under-vehicle checks

Components which fall into this part of your MOT include (but are not limited to) your fuel system and fuel tank, wheel bearings, wheels and tyres, plus your exhaust system.

Emissions

Finally, there’s the emissions test, which samples the fumes being released by your car’s exhaust to check the toxicity levels.

For the extensive list, you can find the official government MOT test over on the DVSA website.

Ultimate MOT checklist

Use this checklist in the weeks before your MOT to make sure your car is as well-prepared as it can be. Tick off each item as you check it and deal with anything that needs attention before the test to avoid a failure.

Common MOT fails

While there are plenty of reasons why a car could fail its MOT, most failed MOTs are caused by a handful of common problems.

According to DVSA data, up to 30% of fails are caused by lighting and signalling in your vehicle – which is why checking all your bulbs and dashboard lights is such an important pre-check. The second most frequent cause of failure is suspension; worn shock absorbers or damaged springs can cause your car to fail.

Meanwhile, 10% of fails tend to come from faults related to tyres – so double check that 1.6mm tread minimum – and 8.5% from mirrors, wipers and washers, or in other words, anything which might impede the driver’s view of the road.

We hope this breakdown can help you get prepared for your car’s next MOT. Not sure whether your vehicle needs an MOT test? Check out our article on which vehicles are exempt from MOTs to find out more.

Don’t forget, you can be notified of your MOT expiry date with our useful MOT reminder tool in our app.

FAQs

What are advisory notes?

Advisory notes left by the mechanic will provide details of any issues that were identified during your MOT test, but were not drastic enough to cause your car to fail. They’re generally intended to highlight any issues which could lead to repairs in the future.

As the car owner, you’re not legally obliged to act on recommendations made in the advisory notes on your MOT. However, ignoring them is likely to cause more trouble in the long run, so keep an eye on the problem and make the suggested changes if you can – you might save your car from failing its next MOT.

Can an MOT test be done early?

Yes, an MOT test can be done early. You can get it done up to one month, minus a day, before your current MOT expires to keep the same yearly test date.

How much does an MOT test cost?

MOTs aren’t usually too costly; the maximum you can be charged for a standard vehicle MOT is £54.85 – but again, if your car fails, repairs will drive this cost up.

Can I drive without an MOT?

No, it is illegal to drive without a valid MOT, unless you can prove you’re driving to the garage for your MOT test. Driving without an MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, and points on your licence.