How you can help yourself get the pass
Find out how you can prepare for your next MOT test.
What to check
There are a surprisingly large number of MOT items that you can quickly check yourself, with no specialist knowledge or equipment, as listed below.*
| Check | Description |
|---|
| Lights |
The biggest failure item. Do they all function properly? |
| Indicators |
Check front, rear and side repeaters where fitted. |
| Brake Lights |
Are they both working? |
| Rear Fog Light |
Driver's side must be working (all vehicles post April 1 1980). |
| Tyre/Wheels |
Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), check for sidewall defects, tread pattern wear. All wheel studs fitted and no rim damage. |
| Horn/Windscreen Washers |
Must all be functioning. |
| Windscreen Wipers |
Blade rubbers in good condition and not torn/split. |
| Chassis/VIN Number |
Must be displayed and legible (all vehicles post August 1980). |
| Doors |
Check that both front doors can be opened from inside and outside. |
| Bootlid/Tailgate |
Must be able to open from outside. |
| Fuel Cap |
Must be present, secure and have rubber seal. |
| Mirrors |
Must be secure and visible from driver's seat.** |
| Battery |
Battery and terminals must be secure. |
| Seat Belts |
Must be secure and the webbing must be in good condition. |
| Pedal Rubbers |
The brake and throttle pedal rubbers must be present. |
| Dash Warning Lights |
Airbag / ABS / Traction control / TPMS (vehicles registered post 2012) if lit while the engine is running, are MOT failures. |
* For guidance only - does not constitute the full test.
** Minimum of 2 mirrors which must include the drivers side external mirror and/or internal or passenger side external mirror
Other items
Other key items that would be checked at the testing station are steering, vehicle structure, windscreen, suspension, seats, brakes, fuel & exhaust systems, emissions and tow bar if fitted.
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