What's checked on an MOT test?

Since 2012 the annual MOT checklist has been fixed by law to include a consistent and comprehensive range of tests. If your MOT is soon to be due, it’s invaluable to understand what exactly is going to be checked, as it’s often small oversights that can cause an MOT to fail and leave you shackled with a heavy repair bill, which will include the garage's labour rates.

Get Quotes

Know all the parts of your car that will be tested in the MOT and which ones most often fail with this handy infographic.

Internal Checks

• Seats and seat belts
• Warning lamps
• Switches - position lamp, headlamp, hazards
• View to front, wipers and washers
• Brake controls, servo operation
• Steering wheel & column
• Doors, mirrors, horn
• Speedometer, driver controls (Class 5 ONLY)

Exterior Checks

• Registration plates
• Lamps incl. registration plates
• Indicators and hazards
• Headlamps and aim
• Brake lamps, fog lamps and reflectors
• Wheels and tyres
• Shock absorbers
• Mirrors, wiper blades and fuel tank cap
• Glazing (Class 5 ONLY)
• Doors, boot lid, loading doors and bonnet
• Towbars (if applicable)
• General condition of bodywork

Under Bonnet Checks

• Vehicle structure
• Braking Systems
• Exhaust systems and fuel systems
• Speed limiter (if applicable)
• Steering and power steering components
• Suspension components

Under Vehicle Checks

• Steering incl. power steering
• Drive shafts (if applicable)
• Suspension and shock absorbers
• Wheel bearings
• Wheels and tyres
• Brake systems and mechanical components
• Exhaust systems
• Fuel system and fuel tank
• Structure and general vehicle condition

If you can check your car against this before your MOT and spot a fault, you may find you'll make a saving by repairing it in advance.