Pre-MOT Checklist: Preparing for an MOT

When Does A Car Need An MOT?

Once your car reaches three years from its date of registration, it will need its first MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. After that, an MOT must be conducted annually so your vehicle remains roadworthy.

When your vehicle passes its test, you’ll receive a certificate indicating the test date and the expiry date to help you keep track of when your next MOT is due.

What is an MOT Test?

An MOT is a thorough inspection designed to verify that your car is both road-legal and safe to drive. This test involves extensive checks of various elements of your vehicle, and all aspects must meet the required standards.

Before you take your car in for an MOT, you’ll want your car to be clean inside and out. A tidy vehicle allows the examiner to conduct the test more efficiently. If you have a boot full of clutter and an excessively dirty car, the examiner may refuse to carry out the test.

MOT testers work alongside a DVLA MOT check sheet. Familiarising yourself with the checklist can help you identify and address any issues beforehand, giving you more time to fix potential problems. This guide outlines every area of your car you should check before your MOT is due to increase your likelihood of passing.

When Does a Car Become MOT Exempt?

Cars over 40 years old are MOT exempt, given that no substantial changes have been made in the last 30 years. Substantial changes involve modifications to, or replacements of, the chassis, body, axles or engine in a way that alters how the vehicle operates.

If you have a vehicle that is over 40 years old you must declare it as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI). To do this, you must fill in an MOT vehicle exemption form, a V112. To complete the form, you will need your vehicle tax reminder, log book and if you are a resident of Northern Ireland, an insurance certificate or cover note.

Why Are Old Cars MOT Exempt?

Old, classic cars are exempt from MOTs as their owners are often enthusiasts and hobbyists that take pride in and enjoy maintaining their vehicles. However, these cars must still be roadworthy. Driving a vehicle with defects that would fail an MOT is illegal. Owners are responsible for making sure that their classic cars meet all safety and legal standards.

Things to Check Before Your Mot

Battery

As part of the MOT test, the examiner will inspect your battery to see that it is securely mounted. They will also take a close look at any visible wiring.

Check the condition of your battery in advance of the test; you can tell a lot about its health from its visuals.

Battery acid is highly corrosive so you should be looking for signs of corrosion. Indicators include a sulphuric smell, bubbling, or the presence of a powdery substance (with a white, green or blue tinge) on the battery ports, terminals or cables. To clean, use a toothbrush and a solution of baking soda and water.

Leaking fluid is another issue that could result in MOT failure. If you do spot any leaks, you will need to replace your battery.

The MOT tester will also check the battery connectors. They should be securely tightened and free from any damage.

Bulges suggest your battery has been overcharged and cracks are a sign of severe damage. If you notice any bulges or cracks, then you will need to replace the battery promptly as they are safety hazards.

Tyres and Wheels

The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm in a continuous band across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Tyres with less than this depth will result in an MOT failure so it is important you check this.

To check the tread, you can use the tread wear indicators. Look for the raised ridges inside the grooves of the tyre. If the surface of the tread is level with these ridges then it’s time to replace the tyres.

You can also check the tread with a 20p coin. To do this, place a 20p coin into the tyre tread. If you can see any part of the coin’s outer rim, the tread depth may be too low. If this is the case, replace your tyres before your MOT.

You will also need to check all of your tyres for visible cuts, bulges or other damage that makes them unsafe.

Confirming that the tyres on each axle are the same size is another easy check to make. Mismatched tyres on the same axle can fail your MOT.

In addition to the tyres, you need to inspect the wheels. All four wheels must be securely fastened with no missing bolts. They also must not have any cracks, distortion or dents in the rims. The condition of wheel bearings is also assessed in the MOT so check these are in good working order by putting your hand on the wheel and spinning it. If the bearing is bad, it will make a rattling noise as you turn it. If you hear this, your bearing needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Brakes

Your braking system is critical for road safety so identifying and solving any issues before your MOT test is essential.

If you notice your call pulling to one side, screeching or heavy vibrating as you press down on the brake pedal then this suggests your brake pads have worn out. If they have worn out, then they will need replacing.

If your steering wheel wobbles when driving, the brake pedal is less responsive or if there is a grinding sound when braking then this may suggest your brake discs have worn out. Again, as driving with damaged brake discs is a hazard, you will need to replace them if you notice these things.

Additionally, you should do a brake pedal check. Press the brake pedal several times. It should feel firm and return to its original position immediately. If the pedal feels soft, loose or unresponsive you need to have the brakes inspected and repaired immediately.

You also need to test your handbrake. To do this, rest your foot on the brake and lift the handbrake on and off. If the handbrake lever travels too far or makes more than 3 or 4 clicks, the cable may be starting to stretch or wear. If your handbrake doesn’t hold the car in place without needing to be pulled to an extreme angle, then you will also need this to be looked at prior to your MOT.

Lastly, check the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet. If the fluid level is low, top it up.

Windscreen and Wipers

Check the windscreen for any damage like cracks or chips.

Damage larger than 10mm in the A-zone (a 290mm-wide area directly in front of the driver) will result in an MOT failure.

On the driver’s side, the tolerance is even stricter. Any damage larger than 10mm in the area covered by the driver-side wiper will cause the car to fail.

Chips or cracks exceeding 40mm anywhere within the area swept by the wipers will also lead to failure. Large cracks or chips should be repaired before your MOT to avoid complications as well as scratched or damaged glass.

For the wipers, test them by cleaning the windscreen. They should move smoothly in an arc without juddering or leaving missed patches.

Look at the wiper blades and see if they have any splits, tears or wear on the blades. If they fail to clear water effectively then replace them.

Also check that the windscreen washer system works and that the washer reservoir is full. Blocked washer jets or an empty reservoir can result in an MOT failure so it is important these are in good working order.

Clear any objects, dirt and debris blocking the windscreen or hindering the operation of the wipers.

Fuel and Engine Oil

Your car must have sufficient fuel and engine oil for the MOT test. The tester will need to run the engine to check the exhaust emissions and may refuse to conduct the test if fuel or oil levels are too low.

To check the oil you first need to locate the dipstick which is usually marked with a yellow ring. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a cloth. Reinsert it fully into the tube and pull it out again. Check where the oil sits on the dipstick: it should be between the minimum and maximum markers. For an accurate reading, make sure your car is parked on a level surface. If the oil level is low, then top it up with the appropriate type of engine oil.

Lights and Indicators

You need to verify that the following lights are working properly:

• Headlights (high and low beam)
• Sidelights
• Indicators
• Brake lights
• Hazard lights
• Number plate lights (at least one of the two must be working)

Ask a friend or family member to help you test the rear lights, or back your car up to a wall and check the light reflections.

Also check that all light mounts are secure as loose or wobbly mounts can cause an MOT failure.

If any bulbs are out, replace them as soon as possible.

Also check for any dashboard warning lights. Start your engine and check no warning lights pop up.

Seats and Seatbelts

To pass your MOT all seatbelts are in proper working condition.

Seatbelts should click into place easily and remain securely fastened when tugged. They should also clip in and unclip without any difficulty.

The belts should retract smoothly and return to their holders when not in use.

Check for any cuts, fraying or wear on the belts.

Confirm all seatbelts are securely attached to the seat or floor.

You will fail your MOT if any car seatbelts have been removed and are missing.

Make sure the seats also operate as expected. This means the seat and the headrest move freely and adjust to different positions without issues. They should also lock securely into place in any selected position. If either the seat or the headrest is stuck in place or does not stay secure, then this could fail your MOT.

Steering Wheel

Your steering wheel should feel firm and responsive as you turn it.

If your car has power steering, then make sure the steering wheel self-centers. This means that with the engine running, the steering wheel should return smoothly to its original position after being turned. The steering wheel should also turn easily to full lock in both directions without any resistance or looseness.

If the steering wheel feels loose, or if the wheel doesn’t reach full lock, it may indicate a problem with the hydraulic system. If this is the case, your car will need to be repaired promptly.

Suspension

If any suspension components like springs, shock absorbers, suspension arms or bushes are excessively worn, damaged or have excessive play then your car may fail its MOT as a worn suspension system can affect stopping distance by 20%. To check the suspension, press down firmly on each corner of the vehicle. The car should bounce back into position smoothly and level out quickly. If it sags a lot or doesn’t return to its original position immediately, the dampers or suspension springs may be damaged.

Also pay attention to unusual noises or handling issues, such as difficulty navigating corners or changes in direction. These could also indicate problems with the suspension system; if you suspect an issue with your suspension then you should have your car checked and the issues dealt with.

Number Plates

When checking the suspension, also inspect the number plate. Any cracks or damage that make the plate difficult to read could result in an MOT failure. If the numbers are unclear, it will be best to replace the plate.

Exhaust

Listen for excessive nose or rattling when your vehicle is running as this might suggest a problem with the exhaust system, which could fail your MOT. Another easy check is to see whether there is smoke coming from your exhaust. Although smoke is normal on diesel engines but excessive smoke may indicate a problem.

If there is fuel or oil leaking from the exhaust then there is also likely a problem, perhaps to do with the spark plugs or glow plugs not warming or burning fuel properly.

Check if your exhaust system is working properly. With the engine running, put on some protective gloves and fold up a thick cloth or old tea towel then hold it against the exhaust. The exhaust should push the cloth away with ease. If this doesn’t happen or the exhaust makes a funny noise then there might be a leak in the system and you should get this checked out.

Mirrors

Your mirrors must be intact, secure and free of cracks. You can fail an MOT for cracked or smashed mirrors so replace any damaged mirrors before your test.

You can often find replacement mirrors for your car make and model online. Please note that self-adhesive types are more likely to fall off.

Your wing and rear-view mirrors need to be adjustable and fixed securely in place. If mirrors are missing or damaged, then the car will fail.

Horn

To pass the MOT, your vehicle’s horn must be fully functional and clearly audible to other road users. When testing the horn make sure there are no other vehicles or pedestrians nearby to avoid startling anyone.

Novelty horns that play multiple notes or tunes are not allowed.

Vehicle Identification

Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), also referred to as the chassis number, must be clearly displayed and legible. It is typically located at the base of the windscreen or on a stamped metal panel under the bonnet.

Additionally, check the VIN on your car’s V5C logbook matches the number displayed on the car’s bodywork.

What Happens if My Car Fails its MOT?

The outcome of an MOT can be one of the following:

• Pass
• Pass with advisories/minor faults
• Fail due to major or dangerous faults

MOTs categorise faults as dangerous, major, or minor. If your vehicle has a dangerous or major fault, it will fail the MOT, and you will be issued a VT30 form (MOT failure certificate).

If your car has a dangerous fault, it cannot be driven until the issue is fixed. Major faults should be addressed as soon as possible. While minor faults won’t cause an MOT failure, they must be repaired.

Driving a car that is not roadworthy can lead to prosecution and hefty fines of up to £2,500.

If your vehicle fails the MOT, all faults must be repaired before retaking the test. In some cases, if repairs are not feasible, the MOT may recommend that purchasing a new car is a more economical option.

Driving without a valid MOT can result in fines, penalty points on your licence, or even a driving ban.

If your vehicle fails the MOT, all faults must be repaired before retaking the test. In some cases, if repairs are not feasible, the MOT may recommend that purchasing a new car is a more economical option.

Driving without a valid MOT can result in fines, penalty points on your licence, or even a driving ban.

Final Thoughts

If you are proactive, an upcoming MOT doesn’t have to be stressful. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly will mean your car can pass without any problems and will also mean you can avoid costly surprises.

If your vehicle does fail, address any dangerous or major faults immediately.

Passing your MOT and keeping up with regular car maintenance will reduce the likelihood of breakdowns but won't eliminate the risk entirely. For complete peace of mind, consider taking out single trip European breakdown cover to protect yourself against unexpected issues while travelling in Europe.