What is in an MOT Checklist? Tips to Pass Your MOT Test

23/04/2025Jay Kennedy

An MOT test is a crucial part of vehicle ownership in the UK – not just a legal requirement, but a check that ensures your car is safe and roadworthy.

Whether you’re booking your car in for its first MOT or preparing for an annual test, understanding what’s in the MOT checklist can help you stay one step ahead.

Knowing what’s inspected in your MOT – and what commonly causes failures – gives you the best chance of passing first time.
 

What is an MOT Test?

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a yearly vehicle inspection required by law for all cars over three years old in the UK.

Its purpose is to ensure your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards for road use.

Driving without a valid MOT certificate can lead to fines, penalty points, or even invalidate your insurance – so staying on top of it is vital.
 

What is Checked in an MOT Test Checklist?

An MOT inspection covers a wide range of safety, performance, and emissions criteria.

The vehicle only has to fail in one of these areas for the MOT test to result in a fail – even if everything else passes.

Here’s what’s included in the MOT checklist and what you can check yourself before the test:
 

Tyres and Wheels

Your tyres must meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of each tyre.

Tyres should also be free of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or exposed cords, which could pose a danger.

In addition, tyres must be correctly inflated to the pressure recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

You’ll find this information in your vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.

Tip: Perform a quick tread depth check using a 20p coin – if the outer rim of the coin is visible, the tyre may be too worn to pass.
 

Lights and Indicators

All the lights on your vehicle must be in full working order.

This includes:

• Headlights (main and dipped beam)
• Brake lights
• Sidelights
• Rear fog lights (if fitted)
• Number plate lights
• Reverse lights (if fitted)
• Indicators and hazard warning lights

Each light should illuminate correctly, flash at the correct rate (if applicable), and have a clean, undamaged lens in the right colour.

Dashboard warning lights are also checked – particularly airbag, ABS, engine management, and brake system alerts. If these lights stay on after the ignition starts, they’ll trigger a failure.

Tip: Ask a friend to help you check brake and reverse lights. If you’re on your own, reverse near a window or garage door and check their reflection.
 

Windscreen, Wipers and Washers

Your windscreen must provide a clear, unobstructed view.

Small chips are allowed, but anything larger than 10mm in the driver’s direct line of sight or 40mm in the rest of the swept area will result in a fail.

Wiper blades must clear the screen effectively and show no signs of fraying or splitting. Washers must also function and deliver fluid when activated.

Tip: You can fail your MOT for having no screen wash – check the washer bottle is topped up and flowing correctly before the test.
 

Exhaust System and Emissions

The exhaust system must be secure, free from leaks, and operate within the legal noise levels. Excess smoke – particularly dark or coloured emissions – will likely lead to an emissions failure.

Petrol and diesel vehicles are tested differently, but both must stay within strict emission standards based on the vehicle’s age.

Tip: If you notice louder engine noise, strong smells, or smoke when driving, get your exhaust checked before your MOT – these are all early signs of failure.
 

Fuel and Engine Oil Levels

The tester won’t proceed with the emissions part of the MOT unless your vehicle has enough fuel and engine oil.
This is especially important if your car’s been off the road or hasn’t been topped up in a while.

Tip: Check your oil using the dipstick. Park on flat ground, wipe the dipstick, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again. The oil level should sit between the minimum and maximum marks.
 

Steering, Suspension and Brakes

MOT testers will assess how the steering and suspension components respond and whether they’re in good working order. Any knocks, looseness, or excessive play can be signs of wear.

Brakes are tested for responsiveness and balance. Uneven braking or worn-out discs and pads can result in an immediate fail.

Tip: If your car pulls to one side when braking or you hear grinding or squealing noises, get it checked – these could be signs your brakes need attention.
 

Seats and Seatbelts

Your driver’s seat must adjust correctly and lock firmly in place. All seatbelts should fasten securely, retract smoothly, and be free of frays or damage.

Each belt will be tested for locking function (under sudden pressure) and anchorage strength.

Tip: Pull sharply on each belt to ensure it locks, and inspect for cuts or signs of wear – especially near the buckle and retractor.
 

Mirrors

You must have at least two usable mirrors – one of which must be the driver’s side.

Mirrors must be secure, clean, and crack-free. Any damage that distorts your view will result in a fail.

Tip: Make sure mirrors are properly attached and not loose. If they’re cracked or scratched, it’s worth replacing them ahead of time.
 

Number Plates

Your number plates must be present at the front and rear of the vehicle, clearly legible, and made in the correct format and font.

A dirty, cracked, or faded number plate can lead to a fail – and misaligned spacing or fonts that don’t meet DVLA standards are also non-compliant.

Tip: Give both plates a quick clean before your test. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
 

Horn

A functioning horn is a legal requirement. It must produce a loud, continuous tone and be easily operated from the steering wheel.

Tip: Give your horn a short blast before test day – make sure you’re not near pedestrians or cyclists when you do it.
 

Interior Warning Lights and Dashboard

When you turn on the ignition, key warning lights should briefly illuminate and then disappear once the engine starts.
If lights such as engine management, ABS, or airbag stay on, your car will fail.

Tip: Use a basic OBD2 scanner if you have one, or ask your garage to run a fault code check – this could help identify and fix warning light issues early.
 

Pre MOT Check: What You Can Do at Home

Most MOT fails are caused by simple issues that can be fixed in minutes.

Here's a short pre MOT checklist you can do yourself:

• Check all bulbs and replace any that are blown
• Clean mirrors, number plates, and windows
• Top up screenwash, oil, and fuel
• Inspect tyre tread and pressure
• Make sure the horn works
• Clear any dashboard warning lights
• Test wipers and seatbelts

Why Cars Fail the MOT – Common Issues

Even if most of your car passes, a failure in just one area can result in a full MOT fail. The most common reasons for MOT failures include:

• Worn tyres
• Faulty bulbs
• Low washer fluid
• Windscreen damage
• Dashboard warning lights
• Brake or suspension issues

Being proactive – even a few days before your MOT – can make all the difference in avoiding these.
 

Final Thoughts: Stay Roadworthy with a Pre MOT Checklist

Understanding what’s included in the MOT test checklist helps you prepare your vehicle and avoid last-minute surprises.

By checking the most common failure points ahead of time, you can increase your chances of passing first time.

An MOT isn’t just a formality – it’s a check that your vehicle is safe, efficient, and road-ready.

A little preparation goes a long way in keeping you legal, safe, and stress-free on the road.