The complete MOT checklist: fixes to run before your test

Lights and signals

Blown bulbs are one of the most common MOT fails, and one of the easiest to fix at home before you arrive at the workshop.

• Dipped, main-beam and side lights on both sides
• Front and rear indicators, plus side repeaters
• Brake lights (including the high-level brake light) — ask someone to press the pedal
• Rear fog light and reverse lights
• Number plate lights — often forgotten, always checked
• Warning lights on the dash: any illuminated engine, ABS, airbag or brake light will fail an MOT

Tyres and wheels

Tread and condition are inspected on every wheel. It takes two minutes with a 20p coin.

• Minimum 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of each tyre
• No cuts, bulges, cord exposure or perished sidewalls
• Correct tyre pressures for a laden vehicle (check the door pillar or fuel flap)
• Matching tyre sizes and speed ratings across each axle
• Locking wheel nut key present in the car — testers can't remove wheels without it

Windscreen, wipers and washers

Vision faults are an instant fail. A quick top-up and a wipe-down beats a re-test fee.

• No chips larger than 10mm in the driver's line of sight (or 40mm elsewhere in the wiped area)
• Wiper blades that clear the screen cleanly with no smears or missed sections
• Working front and rear washer jets with topped-up screen wash
• No stickers, air fresheners or dash-cam mounts obstructing the driver's view

Under the bonnet

A visual check of fluids and the battery mount takes minutes and catches issues before they escalate.

• Engine oil between the min and max marks on the dipstick
• Coolant between min and max in the expansion tank (only check when cold)
• Brake fluid at the correct level and not visibly dark
• Power steering fluid where applicable
• Battery clamped securely with clean, corrosion-free terminals

Brakes, seatbelts and horn

You can spot the obvious issues in the driveway. Anything unusual is worth mentioning when you book in.

• Firm brake pedal with no sponginess or long travel
• Handbrake holds the car on a slope without excessive lever travel
• No grinding, squealing or pulling to one side when braking
• Every seatbelt latches, retracts and is free of cuts or fraying
• Horn works and is a continuous tone (not a musical sequence)

Bodywork, doors and mirrors

Sharp edges from corrosion and loose trim can fail an MOT. So can a missing wing mirror.

• Driver's door opens from inside and out; all doors close securely
• Both wing mirrors present, secure and unbroken
• Number plates clean, legible and using the correct font
• No sharp edges from rust, especially around sills, arches and jacking points
• Bonnet catch secure with no play

Exhaust and emissions

A healthy engine warmed up before your test gives the cleanest emissions reading.

• No visible smoke from the exhaust under acceleration
• No blowing joints, rattles or holes in the exhaust system
• Fuel cap seals properly and isn't cracked or missing
• If you've had an engine warning light on recently, get it diagnosed before the test — it will fail otherwise

Frequently asked questions