The Complete MOT Checklist: What to Check Before Your Test

Getting your car ready for its MOT doesn't need to be stressful. Around a third of failures are things you could have spotted at home in ten minutes — and as a qualified MOT assessor I see the same handful catch people out year after year. Work through this checklist a week before your test and you'll stand the best possible chance of a first-time pass.

If you only do one walk-round, check these — they cover the most common failure points:

1. Every light and indicator works (get someone to check the brake lights) 2. Tyre tread is comfortably above 1.6mm, with no cuts or bulges 3. Screenwash is topped up and the wipers clear the screen properly 4. No warning lights on the dashboard 5. Windscreen has no chips in the driver's line of sight 6. Horn works 7. Number plates are clean, secure and legible 8. Seat belts latch and retract properly 9. Brakes stop the car evenly, without noise or pulling 10. Nothing hanging loose underneath or blowing from the exhaust

Now here's the full detail on each area.

Check these before your test:

• ▸Headlights (both dipped and full beam)
• ▸Sidelights
• ▸Brake lights (you'll need someone to help or use a reflection)
• ▸Indicators front and rear
• ▸Hazard warning lights
• ▸Number plate light
• ▸Rear fog light(s)

A single bulb failure is an instant MOT failure. They're cheap and easy to replace - most can be done in minutes without tools.

Tyres are one of the most common MOT failures. Check:

• ▸Tread depth: Minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre
• ▸No cuts, bulges, or damage to the sidewalls
• ▸Correct pressure (check your car's handbook)
• ▸Wheel nuts all present and tight
• ▸No cracks or damage to alloy wheels

Pro tip: If your tread is close to 1.6mm, it's worth replacing before the MOT. You'll need new tyres soon anyway, and it saves a re-test.

The MOT tests:

• ▸Brake efficiency (stopping power)
• ▸Brake imbalance (brakes working evenly)
• ▸Handbrake operation and efficiency
• ▸Brake pad and disc condition (visible through wheel)

If your brakes feel spongy, make noise, or the handbrake doesn't hold on a hill, get them checked before the test.

Your MOT will fail if:

• ▸There's a chip bigger than 10mm in the driver's A-zone (directly behind the wheel)
• ▸There's a crack longer than 40mm anywhere on the windscreen
• ▸Wipers don't clear the screen effectively
• ▸Washer bottle is empty or system doesn't work

Get chips repaired before they spread - most insurance policies cover this with no excess.

You need:

• ▸Driver's side mirror in good condition
• ▸Interior mirror (or passenger mirror on van conversions)
• ▸All indicators working
• ▸No cracks or damage affecting visibility

The test includes:

• ▸Exhaust emissions levels (petrol, diesel, or hybrid)
• ▸Exhaust system security (no loose or hanging parts)
• ▸No excessive smoke
• ▸Catalytic converter present (if originally fitted)

A warning light on the dashboard for emissions will fail the MOT. Get it diagnosed first.

Check for:

• ▸Excessive play in steering wheel
• ▸Worn ball joints or track rod ends
• ▸Leaking shock absorbers
• ▸Broken springs
• ▸Worn bushes

Drive over speed bumps - if it bounces more than once or makes clunking noises, book a check before the MOT.

Your plate must:

• ▸Be clean and clearly visible
• ▸Have correct spacing and sizing
• ▸Not be damaged or faded
• ▸Be securely fixed
• ▸Comply with current regulations (no fancy fonts!)

All seat belts must:

• ▸Be present and working
• ▸Retract properly
• ▸Show no fraying or damage
• ▸Latch securely

Any warning light illuminated on the dashboard can fail the MOT, especially:

• ▸Engine management light
• ▸ABS warning light
• ▸Airbag warning light
• ▸Brake system warning light

Get these diagnosed before the test - they could indicate serious issues.

Quick checks:

• ▸Horn works and sounds appropriate
• ▸All dashboard switches and controls operate properly
• ▸Boot opens and closes securely
• ▸Bonnet release works and bonnet props hold
• ▸Fuel cap fits securely

The most common MOT failures are:

1. Lights (34% of failures) - Check everything! 2. Brakes (10% of failures) - Get spongy pedals checked 3. Suspension (9% of failures) - Listen for clunks 4. Tyres (7% of failures) - Check depth and pressure 5. Issues affecting driver's view (5%) - Chip repairs

Usually nothing - the tester works from your number plate and the DVSA database. That said, it's worth having:

• ▸Your V5C registration document, if the car's details have recently changed
• ▸Any advisories from last year's test, so you can confirm they've been dealt with

One more tip on timing: you can have the test done up to a month (minus a day) early and keep the same renewal date, so don't leave it until the day the certificate expires.

I offer a pre-MOT inspection for £25, where I'll check everything on the official test. If I find issues, I can often fix them there and then, saving you a failed MOT and re-test fee.

Most importantly, I'll give you honest advice - if something will fail but you can't afford to fix it right away, I'll tell you what's critical vs what's an advisory.

A bit of preparation can save you time, money, and stress. Check these items a week before your MOT, and you'll stand the best chance of a first-time pass.

When it's time for the test itself, our MOT testing service starts from £40, and we'll sort any brake or diagnostic issues that come up so a fail doesn't catch you out. We come to you across the Black Country, from Stourbridge to Halesowen. For more, read how much an MOT really costs and what happens if it fails and our 5 signs your brakes need attention.