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The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test checks whether your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards. It includes inspections of lights, tyres, brakes, suspension, emissions, and more. Preparing in advance can reduce the risk of failure and unexpected repair costs.
Check Your Lights
Faulty lights are one of the most common MOT failures. Check all external lights including headlights, indicators, brake lights, number plate lights, and reversing lights. Ensure bulbs are working and lenses are clean and free from cracks.
Inspect Tyres and Tread Depth
Your tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a 20p coin to check—if the outer band is visible, it may be illegal. Also inspect for bulges, cuts, or uneven wear.
Test Your Brakes
Ensure your handbrake holds the vehicle securely and doesn’t have excessive travel. Listen for unusual noises during braking. If you suspect reduced performance, have your brake pads, discs, or fluid checked before your MOT.
Clean Your Car
A dirty car might not directly fail an MOT, but testers can refuse to inspect a filthy vehicle. Ensure your number plates are clean and readable, and give your car a basic wash, especially around lights and windows.
Clear Windscreen and Check Wipers
Check your windscreen for chips or cracks—damage larger than 10mm in the driver’s field of vision or 40mm elsewhere could mean a fail. Replace wiper blades if they’re streaking or missing areas. Make sure the washer fluid is topped up.
Top Up Fluids
Check and top up oil, brake fluid, coolant, and screenwash. Low levels may cause your vehicle to fail the MOT or lead to unnecessary delays.
Ensure Seatbelts Work
Inspect all seatbelts for fraying and test the mechanism to ensure it locks when pulled sharply. Also check that the seatbelt warning lights operate correctly.
Test the Horn
Your horn must work properly and be loud enough to be heard by other road users. A non-functioning horn is a simple but avoidable MOT failure.
Inspect Mirrors and Number Plates
Make sure all mirrors are securely mounted and offer clear visibility. Number plates should be clean, undamaged, and display the correct format and font.
Final Checks
Check dashboard warning lights. If any warning lights are on—especially relating to emissions, ABS, or airbags—have these investigated before your MOT test.
Conclusion
By following this checklist, you can increase your chances of passing the MOT test on the first attempt. Regular vehicle maintenance not only helps you avoid failure but also keeps your car safe and roadworthy all year round.
For more help or to book your MOT test, visit https://checkmot.com.