If you are getting ready for an MOT for your car, you may ask: what do MOT testers check? This article provides a checklist for what is inspected during an MOT test.
What Is An MOT Test?
The Ministry of Transport Test is referred to as an MOT and is an annual check that all cars older than three years (over four years in Northern Ireland) must face. Authorised test centres analyse your vehicle to ensure you pass certain legal standards.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVSA) regulate these tests and outline the minimum requirements your vehicle meets before driving. Both older cars and modern cars must get this regularly.
How long does an MOT take?
Your MOT test is a legal requirement, and you must show a valid MOT certificate for your car to be road legal. As an MOT test centre will check and analyse multiple aspects of your vehicle, you can expect MOT tests to be between 45 and 60 minutes.
An MOT failure after car servicing will require repairs and replacements, increasing the overall time.
The MOT tester has an MOT checklist to work through, and in accordance with the Vehicle Standards Agency, you cannot leave a garage without a valid MOT, so the mechanics cannot let you go with your failed vehicle.
In this instance, a second test will be required, potentially taking another 60 minutes. Council MOT test centres will recommend you drop the car off in the morning, and it could take most of the day to be finished with, so expect to spend a day without your vehicle.
What's checked during an MOT?
As your MOT is an annual test, the engineer must check several factors. Your car must satisfy road safety and environmental standards, ensuring various performance aspects are legal.
You should consult this list before your next scheduled inspection if you are wondering what's checked in an MOT test. Minor faults can sometimes be fixed yourself, with regular maintenance being crucial.
Your current MOT certificate will outline previous and dangerous faults your car has experienced. Check your car's manual for more information.
An MOT test includes a check of the following:
- Inspection of the exhaust system for leaks.
- Presence of catalytic converters.
- Secure steering wheel, and inspect for damage.
- Suspension Components in good condition
- Brakes, pedals, and levers all in good condition.
- Brake lights and brake fluid working.
- Fuel system and exhaust emissions, with the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions being in the legal limit.
If your car fails on one of these vital aspects, you will not receive an MOT certificate and will require new parts and another test before you can drive it on the road.
If anything within the car looks like it could short circuit, this will be noted, and you could fail. Your battery health should be checked, ensuring it remains secure and no leaking electrolytes are present.
One of the most essential parts of an MOT is brake testing. Many MOT testers will place your vehicle on rollers and test if the brakes decelerate the car efficiently.
You should check that your ABS warning light is in working order if you have anti-lock brakes installed, as this can result in a fail. The pads, discs and callipers of your brakes are also checked, with the master cylinder being examined by the mechanics.
An MOT test differs from car servicing, which many people don't realise. More aspects of your car are inspected during a service which is why many drivers decide to get them both done at once.
For example, a tyre pressure monitoring system may be used; the mechanics may check all the dashboard warning lights, shock absorbers, rear fog lights, power steering and suspension.
How much does an MOT cost?
There are maximum fees any official test centre can charge for an MOT, so if you find an MOT cost that seems higher than expected, don't trust that garage.
Council MOT centres, approved by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, currently run MOT tests at £54.85 for cars and motor caravans, with the cost being £29.65 for motorbikes.
It is possible to find a cheap MOT centre, with these costs being halved, and they are also legitimate. Many garages and mechanics will offer an MOT with a full service, meaning you can be checked in an MOT centre and receive both services.
These costs may seem expensive to some, but they are compulsory, and if your vehicle fails, you cannot leave the garage in it without an MOT.
How can I find out when my MOT is due?
For many drivers, your existing MOT certificate is the port of call for knowing your due date. If you have lost this, you can request a replacement MOT test certificate from GOV.uk.
You will require your registration plates, vehicle identification number (VIN), and vehicle make to receive your MOT status and a new certificate. By doing this, you can also receive your car tax information and tax status.
You can be notified of reminder services via text and email from your local garage, which ensures you have enough time to get minor faults fixed in your car.
Common reasons for cars failing the MOT test
There are common reasons why MOT fails are given to a vehicle after a test. MOT faults are not to be taken lightly, and if your car fails, you should get any major faults repaired immediately. Giving your vehicle a general inspection before taking it to the garage can save time and money.
Here are the top reasons why cars fail their MOT tests:
Registration number plates - If the face was dirty or missing, with the incorrect spacing and typeface, your car could fail. Ensure you have followed DVLA rules when applying for a personalised plate.
Stickers blocking the driver's view - Ensure all stickers and objects stuck to the windscreen are clear of the windscreen wipers' sweeping area.
Not topping up screen wash - Don't be caught out when your car is tested, as this task takes a matter of minutes to complete yourself.
Dirty and cluttered car, full of rubbish - Remove all waste from your boot and footholds, ensure the windows and mirrors have been wiped and can be clearly seen out of.
Hazard lights and warning lights not attended to - Most failures come from drivers not knowing what lights mean on their dashboard and not sorting the issue out in time.
There will be more reasons why a car fails its MOT test, but you can keep your motor and car insurance in check by regularly getting a car service and ensuring you are taking care of all aspects, from the tread depth of your tyres, cleaning the rear view mirrors to the steering lock.
MOT Checklist to help your car pass
To ensure your vehicle passes its next efficiency test, we've compiled a checklist of all things you should be checking within the vehicle structure to secure a valid certificate.
You can do this by repeatedly testing the brakes while driving and asking a friend to check your brake lights while slowing down. Once you push down the brake pedal, the lights should illuminate - if they don't, you can buy a new bulb cheaper than failing your MOT.
Do you know the minimum tread depth your tyres should be meeting legally? All tyres on your car should achieve a tread depth of 1.6mm, comprising of the central three-quarters of the tyre. This can be checked with a 20p coin.
While inspecting your tyres, ensure the tyre pressure is correct, with the information stored in your car's manual.
Inspect all four (or five) seat belts in your car, with the driver's seat being the main priority. Ensure they latch and secure after a sharp tug. Look for any damage or corrosion, and ensure you can adjust the seats forward and backwards with no issue.
Inspect the seat backs for wear, too. While checking seats, confirm the front doors and rear doors work properly and close correctly.
Check your front and rear lights are in working order, along with the headlights on main beam and dipped.
Your hazard lights and indicators should be working as standard too. All electrical equipment will be checked during the MOT, along with ensuring they are the correct colour. Headlights must be the right shade of white as they can appear bluer, which is a hazard.
Checking the handbrake is crucial, and you should ensure the tension level is correct. If the handbrake moves up and down without any resistance, you will need to have this fixed by a professional mechanic.
Ensure your windscreen wiper blades are clean and effectively remove debris and dirt from the windscreen. If any damage is broader than 10mm around the driver's central view, you are likely to fail as your vision should not be interrupted.
You should have enough fuel and engine oil levels in your car on the date of the MOT as the mechanics will need to test your car's emission levels.
While your options at home are limited to checking the steering, you should ensure that the mechanism works correctly. Testers will typically use electronic power steering with the engine running to confirm the steering is safe and working correctly.
You should not have any sharp edges on the exterior bodywork of your vehicle, as these can injure pedestrians and damage other cars. Excessive corrosion can also be dangerous to vital components of the vehicle, affecting their overall performance.
Beyond these, you should also check your exhaust for leaks and ensure there is no noise or black smoke emitted. Complete a suspension check by applying weight to all four corners of the car.
Your car horn should also be checked to ensure motorists, pedestrians, and other road users can hear it in an emergency. MOT failures inconvenience many people, so you are better off ensuring you pass the first time.
Get your car tested as often as possible and assure all parts are working before your next MOT, as you can save money in the long run.
What happens if your car fails its MOT
If your car fails its MOT, there are some next steps depending on why it failed
Regardless of the reasons, the test centre should issue you with a VT30 certificate which outlines why your vehicle did not pass.
With dangerous faults, which are the most extreme, you will not be able to legally drive your car home after the MOT.
Since many garages also do repairs, you can typically get a quote for the necessary repairs from the same team.
If you choose to tow your vehicle to another garage to get the repairs, you will still require your vehicle to pass before driving it again.
Major faults are one below dangerous, and in some cases, you can still drive your car.
If your MOT has not expired and the fault isn't putting you or other drivers at risk, you are allowed to leave.
The MOT technicians may advise you to get it repaired as soon as possible, which is recommended.
If your MOT has run out, but the car is roadworthy, you are allowed to drive it to have the faults fixed and to another pre-booked MOT test. There are no other exceptions to driving your car without a valid MOT certificate, and doing so can land you a £2500 fine.
If you fail an MOT, fix the repairs and get your car road legal again with a new MOT. Your car is considered roadworthy when it is safe to drive and environmentally proficient.
MOT retests
If you fail the first MOT test and receive repairs, you must arrange a partial MOT retest to make your vehicle roadworthy. A partial retest can be done for free at the same garage where you failed as long they can book you in within ten days of failing.
Depending on what car parts are required to make the fix, you may have to tow your car elsewhere and then bring it back to the MOT centre. The test is normally free if you can do this within one working day.
If your MOT has expired
Your car manual displays your last MOT date, and you must complete a new one annually, so if this expires and you are found driving, you can be prosecuted.
Driving your car without completing this test is illegal, and you are putting yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. The only exception possible is if you have an MOT booked and it falls after the expiration date, but you are allowed to drive to the centre in that instance.
If you've lost your MOT certificate
Losing your MOT certificate isn't advised, and you should always keep a close eye on it. Store it somewhere safe as you will need to reference it at your next service. If you do lose it, however, visit GOV.uk, and you can get a replacement for free.
You will require your vehicle's registration number, 11-digit reference number and your logbook (V5C). If you lose it again, this will cost £10 to replace. While an MOT certificate is not a requirement for drivers and car owners, you will benefit from having it to hand.
You will need this certificate to establish road tax for your vehicle and change the tax class if you are getting free tax for a disabled driver, for instance. If you plan to sell, many buyers will want to see proof of the MOT history.
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