Preparing for your MOT test can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure what inspectors actually examine. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare your vehicle properly and increases your chances of passing for the first time. At Autoveto, we believe informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle maintenance, which is why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the inspection process.
Complete MOT Checklist for Vehicle Owners
An MOT inspection covers numerous components across your vehicle, with testers examining over 60 individual items to ensure your car meets legal safety and environmental standards. Understanding these checks helps you identify potential issues before your test date.
The inspection begins with your vehicle’s lighting system. Testers check all external lights including headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, and number plate lights. They examine both functionality and alignment, ensuring lights are securely mounted and pointing in the correct direction. Even a single bulb failure can result in an MOT failure.
Your braking system receives thorough scrutiny during testing. Inspectors assess brake pedal operation, handbrake efficiency, brake fluid condition, and the condition of brake pads, discs, and drums. They use specialized equipment to measure braking force and ensure it meets required standards for your vehicle’s weight.
Tire condition is another critical area. Testers measure tread depth across the entire tire surface, checking for the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tire. They also examine tires for cuts, bulges, or signs of uneven wear that might indicate mechanical problems.
Essential Components on the MOT Checklist UK
The steering and suspension system undergoes detailed examination. Inspectors check for excessive play in the steering wheel, worn steering components, damaged suspension springs, and worn shock absorbers. They look underneath your vehicle for leaking dampers and examine all visible suspension components for wear or damage.
Your vehicle’s structure and body receive careful inspection for corrosion or damage that might affect safety. Testers particularly focus on areas around seatbelt mounting points, suspension mounting areas, and the subframe. Significant rust or structural weakness in these critical areas will result in failure. The exhaust system is checked for leaks, security, and emissions levels. Testers examine the entire exhaust from engine to tailpipe, looking for holes, excessive corrosion, or loose mounting brackets. They also conduct emissions testing to ensure your vehicle meets environmental standards for its age and fuel type.
Windscreen and window condition matter significantly. Any damage to the windscreen larger than 10mm in the driver’s viewing area, or 40mm elsewhere in the swept area, constitutes a failure. All windows must be clean enough for the driver to have clear visibility, and windscreen wipers must function effectively.
Additional Items Inspectors Examine
Seatbelts must be present, secure, and functioning correctly for all designated seating positions. Testers check the webbing for fraying or cuts, ensure buckles operate smoothly, and verify that seatbelts retract properly if they’re inertia reel type. Horn functionality is tested to ensure it works and produces an appropriate sound. Mirrors must be present, secure, and provide adequate visibility. The vehicle registration plate must be clearly legible, correctly spaced, and securely mounted.
Fluid levels are checked, including brake fluid, power steering fluid if applicable, and engine coolant. While low levels alone won’t necessarily cause failure, they may indicate leaks that could fail the test.
How Autoveto Helps You Prepare
At Autoveto, we encourage all customers to review this MOT checklist before their test date. Simple checks like replacing worn wiper blades, topping up fluids, and ensuring all lights work can prevent unnecessary failures. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your vehicle’s condition, our team is happy to conduct a pre-MOT inspection, identifying potential issues before your official test.
Understanding what gets checked during an MOT empowers you to maintain your vehicle properly throughout the year, not just before testing. Regular attention to these components improves safety, reliability, and your chances of passing your MOT first time.