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What To Check Before An MOT

21/04/2025James Harding

Help and Advice

Once a car is over 3 years old, most vehicles in the UK are required by law to undergo the annual MOT Test.

It’s important to prepare your car for an MOT to give yourself the best chance of passing the test the first time.

There are a few quick and easy checks that you can complete yourself. Helping to give your car the best chance of passing the MOT test.

Car MOT Test: Who Regulates the Scheme?

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is in charge of overseeing and regulating the MOT scheme.

As part of this, VOSA is responsible for authorising which garages qualify as an MOT Test Centre.

They are also responsible for approving which individuals are qualified to carry out the MOT test.

Members of VOSA will carry out spot checks on local garages. Testing the mechanics’ knowledge and the facilities. Ensuring they meet the standards required.

Some of VOSA’s duties include:

authorising the MOT test stations and approving MOT testers
setting standards for testing and requirements for authorisation for the MOT test station and testers
training authorised examiners and MOT testers
visiting MOT test stations and carrying out checks to ensure testing standards and facilities are being well maintained
giving advice and taking disciplinary action where tests are not being carried out to the required standards
dealing with appeals and complaints from MOT customers

Regular Car Servicing

Regular car servicing is an important task which, if carried out on a regular basis, will help to keep the different parts and components of your car in the best shape for as long as possible.

The added benefit of car servicing is that any small issues can be discovered and rectified before your car is booked in for an MOT test.

For many people an annual full car service is often enough to keep their car running smoothly.

However, if you are a high mileage driver, then the interim service (which usually takes place every 6 months) is a good option.

If fixed early on, you can avoid these small issues becoming larger problems that could contribute to your car failing the MOT.

Preparing for an MOT

It’s important to prepare your car for an MOT to give yourself the best chance of passing the test the first time.

Before your MOT takes place, there are some inspections and checks you can carry out yourself to try and spot anything that could result in a fail.

This allows you to take note of anything that could potentially fail your car and will give you time to correct it before the car MOT test takes place.

Check the following:

Your car tyres are in excellent condition and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm
All lights on your vehicle are fitted with functioning light bulbs
Your car’s seat-belts function correctly and are not excessively worn out
The boot of your car is not cluttered, and the rest of the car is tidy

There is no excessive damage to the bodywork of the car. Ensure there are no jagged exposed edges.
The tyre tread of your tyres is legal. Use the 20p test.
Fluid levels – screen wash, brake fluid and oil – are at the correct levels and not missing.
The car’s horn works correctly.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in your car’s V5C logbook matches with that marked on your car’s bodywork.

What is checked during an MOT

Once you have taken your car in for its MOT Test, the garage will cover a wide range of your car’s parts and components.

Here is a full list of the parts that will be checked:

Car Part(s)	What’s Checked During the MOT
Body, vehicle structure and general items	Inspectors look for signs of excessive rust or damage in key areas, and ensure there are no sharp edges that could cause injury.
Towbars	Towbars must be securely fitted and in good condition, with no signs of poor repairs or modifications. The electrical socket (if 13-pin) needs to function properly. They’ll also make sure the speedometer works and the engine mounts are secure.
Fuel system	The fuel system should be free of leaks, with secure, undamaged pipes and hoses. The fuel cap must seal properly—so make sure your key is available.
Exhaust emissions (diesel vehicles)	Emissions will be checked according to your car's age and fuel type. For diesels, the MOT tester can refuse the test if it might damage the engine. To help pass, maintain your vehicle regularly, keep the cam belt in good shape, arrive with a warm engine, and don’t alter governor settings.
Exhaust system	The exhaust must be complete, securely mounted, free from serious leaks, and not louder than expected. If your vehicle originally had a catalytic converter, it must still be present.
Seatbelts	All required seatbelts need to be present, securely attached, in good condition, and working properly. Dashboard warning lights for airbags, pretensioners, and load limiters will also be checked.
Seats	The driver’s seat must adjust correctly, and all seats should be secure with backs that lock upright.
Doors	The front doors must open from both inside and outside, and rear doors from the outside. Latches, hinges, and catches must all be secure and in working order.
Mirrors	Your car needs the correct number of mirrors, and they must be in good condition and firmly attached. The same goes for any indirect vision devices.
Load security	The boot or tailgate must close and latch properly to ensure nothing could fall out.
Brakes	Brakes are checked for wear, effectiveness, and correct operation. The system should have no inappropriate modifications. Warning lights for ABS, ESC, and brake systems must function correctly.
Tyres and wheels	Tyres must have the right tread depth, be the correct size/type, and be in good shape. Wheels should be secure. Tyre pressure monitoring lights are checked on cars registered from 2012 onwards. Spare tyres aren’t included.
Registration plates	Plates must be secure, clearly legible, the correct colour, and have characters properly formed and spaced.
Lights	All lights are tested for condition and function, including newer tech like HID and LED. Headlamp aim, self-leveling systems, and cleaning mechanisms (if fitted) are also checked. The main beam warning light must work too.
Bonnet	The bonnet must close securely and stay shut while driving.
Wipers and washers	Wipers and washers must clear the windscreen effectively so the driver has good visibility.
Windscreen	The windscreen is checked for damage and to make sure it doesn’t block the driver’s view.
Horn	It must sound properly and be suitable for road use.
Steering and suspension	The entire system must be in good condition, with no leaks or inappropriate repairs. Power steering fluid levels, pipe corrosion, and steering locks are also reviewed, along with relevant warning lights.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	Cars used from 1 August 1980 must display a single VIN, unless it’s a multistage build (like van conversions or modified vehicles).
Electrical	The battery and any visible electrical wiring must be secure and in acceptable condition.

Car MOT Checks

By carrying out checks on your car before its MOT, you are giving yourself the best chance to pass the inspection first time around.

Regular car servicing, carried out on an annual basis, also is a great way to ensure that your car is safe and functioning to as high a standard as it can for as long as possible.