The MOT test is a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old in the UK. Proper preparation can help you pass first time, avoid costly failures, and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. This comprehensive checklist covers everything MOT testers examine.
Understanding the MOT Test
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test assesses whether your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. It's not a test of the vehicle's general condition or reliability - it specifically checks components that affect safety, emissions, and roadworthiness.
The test typically takes 45-60 minutes and covers lighting, steering, suspension, brakes, tyres, seat belts, exhaust emissions, and various other safety-critical systems. Understanding what's tested helps you prepare effectively.
MOT Facts
- • Required annually for vehicles over 3 years old
- • Can be done up to one month before expiry without losing remaining time
- • Driving without a valid MOT can result in a £1,000 fine
- • MOT pass rate in the UK is approximately 70% first time
1. Lights and Indicators
All lights must work correctly and be the right color. This is one of the most common failure reasons and one of the easiest to check and fix yourself.
What to Check:
- Headlights: Both dipped and main beam must work. Check alignment - poorly aimed headlights can cause failure
- Front and rear position lights: All must illuminate
- Brake lights: All brake lights must work, including the high-level brake light
- Indicators: All four indicators plus repeaters must flash at the correct rate
- Hazard lights: Must activate all indicators simultaneously
- Number plate lights: Must illuminate the rear plate clearly
- Fog lights: If fitted, must work correctly
- Reversing lights: Must illuminate when reverse gear is selected
Quick Check Tip
Park near a wall or garage door in the evening. Turn on each light system and walk around to verify all lights work. For brake lights, place a weight on the pedal or ask someone to help. Replace any failed bulbs before your MOT.
2. Tyres and Wheels
Tyre condition is critical for safety and a common MOT failure point. All tyres must meet legal requirements for tread depth and condition.
What to Check:
- Tread depth: Minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. We recommend 3mm for safety
- Tyre condition: No cuts, bulges, or exposed cords. Check sidewalls carefully
- Tyre pressure: While not part of the MOT, correct pressure helps other checks pass
- Matching tyres: Tyres on the same axle should be the same size and type
- Wheel condition: No cracks or significant damage to wheel rims
- Wheel nuts: All must be present and secure
- Spare tyre: If visible and accessible, will be checked
At IQ Tyres, we offer pre-MOT tyre checks to ensure your tyres meet MOT standards.
3. Brakes
Brakes are thoroughly tested for effectiveness and condition. This includes a rolling road test to measure braking performance.
What to Check:
- Brake pedal: Should feel firm, not spongy. Shouldn't sink to the floor
- Handbrake: Should hold the vehicle on a slope and not require excessive clicks
- Brake fluid level: Should be between min and max marks
- Brake warning light: Should illuminate with ignition and extinguish when released
- Brake pipes: Check for corrosion, damage, or leaks
- Brake performance: Vehicle should brake in a straight line without pulling
Professional Check Recommended
Brake issues are complex and safety-critical. If you notice any brake problems, have them professionally inspected before your MOT. At IQ Tyres, we offer comprehensive brake inspection and repair services.
4. Steering and Suspension
The MOT test checks for excessive play in steering and wear in suspension components.
What to Check:
- Steering wheel play: Shouldn't have excessive free movement before wheels turn
- Power steering: Should operate smoothly without unusual noises
- Steering fluid level: If applicable, should be at correct level
- Shock absorbers: Press down on each corner - shouldn't bounce more than once
- Suspension noises: Listen for clunks or rattles over bumps
- Ball joints and bushings: Should have no excessive play (requires lifting vehicle)
5. Windscreen and Wipers
Your view of the road must be clear, and wipers must clean effectively.
What to Check:
- Windscreen condition: No damage in the driver's line of sight (A-zone). Chips larger than 10mm or cracks longer than 40mm in the A-zone will fail
- Wiper blades: Must clean effectively without streaking. Replace if perished or torn
- Washer system: Must spray water onto the windscreen. Top up washer fluid
- Rear wiper: If fitted, must work correctly
- Mirrors: Both door mirrors and interior mirror must be secure and provide adequate view
6. Exhaust and Emissions
Emissions testing ensures your vehicle meets environmental standards for its age.
What to Check:
- Exhaust condition: No holes, excessive corrosion, or loose sections
- Exhaust mounting: Must be securely attached
- Exhaust smoke: Excessive smoke of any color indicates problems
- Catalytic converter: Must be present if originally fitted
- Engine warning light: Must not be illuminated
- Diesel particulate filter: Must not be removed if originally fitted
Emissions Preparation
Take your vehicle for a 20-minute drive at various speeds before the MOT. This brings the engine to optimal temperature and can help clear carbon deposits, improving emissions test results.
7. Body and Structure
The vehicle body must be structurally sound with no sharp edges or excessive corrosion.
What to Check:
- Corrosion: Check sills, wheel arches, and subframes for excessive rust
- Sharp edges: No protruding sharp edges that could cause injury
- Doors: All doors must open and close securely
- Bonnet: Must open, close, and latch securely
- Boot/tailgate: Must latch securely
- Fuel cap: Must be present and secure
8. Seat Belts
All seat belts must be present, in good condition, and function correctly.
What to Check:
- Belt condition: No fraying, cuts, or excessive wear
- Buckles: Must latch and release correctly
- Retractors: Belts should retract smoothly
- Mounting points: Must be secure with no excessive corrosion
- Seat belt warning light: Should illuminate with ignition
9. Horn and VIN
Simple checks but important for MOT compliance.
What to Check:
- Horn: Must work and be audible
- VIN plate: Vehicle Identification Number must be present and legible
- Number plates: Must be correct format, legible, and securely mounted
10. Registration Document and Insurance
While not part of the MOT test itself, ensure you have:
- Valid insurance (can be checked electronically by the tester)
- V5C registration document with correct details
- Previous MOT certificate (if applicable)
Final Preparation Tips
Before the Test
- ✓ Clean your vehicle inside and out
- ✓ Remove unnecessary items from boot
- ✓ Ensure fuel tank is at least quarter full
- ✓ Check all fluids are at correct levels
- ✓ Take vehicle for a drive to warm up
Common Failure Reasons
- 1. Lighting and signaling (30%)
- 2. Suspension (14%)
- 3. Brakes (10%)
- 4. Tyres (8%)
- 5. Driver's view (6%)
Pre-MOT Inspection at IQ Tyres
Maximize your chances of passing first time with a pre-MOT inspection at IQ Tyres. Our technicians will check all MOT test points and advise on any issues that need addressing. We can also carry out repairs and adjustments to ensure your vehicle is MOT-ready.
What Happens If You Fail?
If your vehicle fails the MOT, you'll receive a VT30 refusal certificate listing the failure reasons. You have options:
- Get repairs done and return for a free retest within 10 working days (partial retest of failed items only)
- Take the vehicle elsewhere for repairs and retest
- Appeal if you believe the failure was incorrect (rare)
Remember, you can still drive your vehicle if your current MOT hasn't expired, even if you've failed a test for renewal. However, you cannot drive without a valid MOT certificate.
Conclusion
Proper MOT preparation takes time but significantly increases your chances of passing first time. Regular vehicle maintenance throughout the year makes MOT preparation easier and ensures your vehicle remains safe and reliable. If you're unsure about any aspect of your vehicle's condition, book a pre-MOT inspection at IQ Tyres - we're here to help you pass with confidence.