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An MOT tests the roadworthiness and safety of your vehicle. If successful, you’ll be issued with an MOT certificate that’s valid for 12 months. If your vehicle fails its MOT, it will need to be retested upon completion of the necessary repairs.
Vehicles aged three years or more must receive an MOT every 12 months.
1. Headlights and indicators
Check that all headlights, taillights and indicators are functioning correctly.
2. Brake lights
While putting your foot on the brake pedal, ask a friend to view the brake lights to see if they’re working properly. Alternatively, carefully position a reflective surface behind your vehicle – this will allow you to press the brakes and check the brake lights at the same time.
3. Number plate
Make sure that both plates are clean and legible, and that the font and character spacing conform to legal requirements.
4. Wheels and tyres
Roughly 60% of failed MOTs are due to defective tyres – so check each wheel for signs of damage and ensure that each tyre has a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm (3mm, ideally).
4. Wheels and tyres
Roughly 60% of failed MOTs are due to defective tyres – so check each wheel for signs of damage and ensure that each tyre has a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm (3mm, ideally).
5. Seat & Seatbelts
The driver’s seat should adjust forwards and backwards and all seatbelts should be in good, working order. Test movement of the seat and inspect the seatbelt’s full length for damage. Tug sharply on all seatbelts to check that they react as they’re supposed to if you have to brake severely.
They save your life in a crash, but only if they work properly – inspect the full length for damage and tug sharply on all the seatbelts to check that they react as they’re supposed if you have to brake severely.
6. Windscreen
From the inside, inspect every part of the windscreen. Any damage that measures 40mm or more will cause an MOT fail. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the area on the driver’s side within the sweep of the wiper – here, the maximum allowable damage size is 10mm.
7. Windscreen Wipers
Ensure that both wipers work correctly, and that both rubber blades are free from damage.
8. Screenwash
Something as seemingly trivial as an empty screenwash bottle could fail your car’s MOT – make sure it’s topped up!
9. Horn
When you toot the horn, does it work? If not, have it repaired or replaced before your car’s MOT.
10. Fuel and engine oil
If applicable, ensure that you have enough fuel and engine oil because the MOT tester will need to run the engine to test exhaust emissions.According to the RAC, approximately 7.3 million vehicles fail their MOT each year. To give your car the best chance of success, please refer to our MOT checklist below. And be sure to check out our in-depth content on MOTs for more information.
1. Headlights and indicators
Check that all headlights, taillights and indicators are functioning correctly.
2. Brake lights
While putting your foot on the brake pedal, ask a friend to view the brake lights to see if they’re working properly. Alternatively, carefully position a reflective surface behind your vehicle – this will allow you to press the brakes and check the brake lights at the same time.
3. Number plates
Make sure that both plates are clean and legible, and that the font and character spacing conform to legal requirements.
4. Wheels and tyres
Roughly 60% of failed MOTs are due to defective tyres – so check each wheel for signs of damage and ensure that each tyre has a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm (3mm, ideally).
5. Windscreen
From the inside, inspect every part of the windscreen. Any damage that measures 40mm or more will cause an MOT fail. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the area on the driver’s side within the sweep of the wiper – here, the maximum allowable damage size is 10mm.
6. Windscreen wipers
Ensure that both wipers work correctly, and that both rubber blades are free from damage.
7. Screenwash
Something as seemingly trivial as an empty screenwash bottle could fail your car’s MOT – make sure it’s topped up!
8. Horn
When you toot the horn, does it work? If not, have it repaired or replaced before your car’s MOT.
9. Fuel and engine oil
If applicable, ensure that you have enough fuel and engine oil because the MOT tester will need to run the engine to test exhaust emissions.
Please check our MOT-related frequently asked questions below.
Usually between 45 and 60 minutes.
It will need to be retested. Depending on the severity of the issue(s), you may not be able to drive it until the problem has been remedied. If your vehicle fails its MOT, we’ll let you know exactly what needs to be done to fix the situation and we’ll seek your approval before proceeding.
You may be entitled to free partial MOT retest or a reduced-rate retest. Please contact us for full details.
If it’s your car’s first ever MOT (or the first since a change of registration), we’ll require its V5C certificate (vehicle logbook).
Please contact us for full MOT cost details.
12 months. Anyone caught driving without a valid MOT certificate is liable for a fine of up to £1,000.
Whenever you wish! All you need to do is complete our online form.
If your car is due its first or next MOT, please book your appointment with us today.