The MOT test for cars is a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle's safety and roadworthiness.

Here is a list of the components that are checked and the different faults an MOT tester could find. Remember, minor faults won’t cause an MOT failure:

1. Bonnet: this should be able to close completely and securely
2. Tyres and wheels: tyres need to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and should not have any lumps or tears. All nuts should also be securely tightened
3. Brakes: a brake efficiency test will be conducted to ensure that the brakes are in good working condition. Relevant brake warning lights must work properly too. A good indication of ineffective brakes is if your vehicle pulls to one side when you brake
4. Horn: this should work if pressed and must be loud enough for other vehicles to hear
5. Exhaust system: this should be free and secure from serious leaks. Your vehicle won’t fail an MOT because of exhaust system noise levels but it must have the required number of silencers for your specific car
6. Mirrors: cracked mirrors that might obscure your view of the road will cause you to fail an MOT. All mirrors should also be in a secured position
7. Doors: latches, hinges and catches should be in a secured, closed position and doors should be able to open from both inside and outside
8. Exhaust emissions: ensure that your engine fuel is topped up before the test. MOT testers will also check to see that pollution produced by your vehicle’s engine remains low and within legal limits (CO limit of 0.50 gm/km)
9. Towbar: these will be tested for secureness, condition, inappropriate repairs and that the engine mountings are secure
10. Boot: MOT testers will check that the boot can be closed securely. Remove all clutter from the boot so the mechanic can perform the necessary checks
11. Seats: the driver seat should be adjustable, and all seats should be securely fitted
12. Seatbelts: all seatbelts should function correctly. Give your seatbelt a quick tug to make sure the restraint system is working correctly
13. Body and vehicle structure: a general inspection to check that there is no corrosion or rust will be performed by the MOT tester. The body should be free of any sharp edges that might cause injury
14. Fuel system: MOT testers will check fuel systems for any potential leak sources or signs of advanced damage or corrosion
15. Steering and suspension: steering wheels are checked to ensure they’re in a secure condition. It is also inspected for wear or damage. Suspension parts like shock absorbers are also checked for excessive damage
16. Wipers and washers: these must cover a wide enough area to give the driver an adequate view of the road
17. Windscreen: there should be no damage or obstruction to a driver’s view that’s larger than 10mm. There must also be no signs of any damage larger than 40mm
18. Electrical wiring: all electric sockets must be without damage or wear
19. Battery: the battery must be secure with no sign of leaking fluid, and battery connectors should be right and free of leaky electrolytes
20. Lights: all lights including front, rear, brake, fog, reflectors, and registration plate lights should be secure, clearly visible and un-faulty when any other light is switched on
21. Registration plates: the registration plate and VIN will be checked to ensure that they are legible and match the vehicle's documents. Plates must be secure and readable from 20 meters away

What's checked on an MOT for motorcycles

A motorcycle MOT has additional checks specifically for its components but follows the same test structure as an MOT for cars. Here is a list of the most important components that are checked during an MOT test for motorcycles:

1. Lights and Electricals: the MOT tester will check all the lights on the motorcycle, including the headlights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights. They will also check the wiring and battery
2. Steering and Suspension: the steering and suspension system will be checked to ensure that they are in good condition and not worn out
3. Brakes: the brakes will be checked to ensure that they are working effectively and that the brake pads and discs are not worn out
4. Tyres and Wheels: the MOT tester will check the condition of the tyres, including the tread depth, and make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure
5. Frame and Bodywork: the frame and bodywork will be inspected for any damage, rust, or corrosion
6. Exhaust Emissions: the MOT tester will check the exhaust emissions to ensure that they are within the legal limits
7. Drive Chain and Sprockets: the drive chain and sprockets will be checked to ensure that they are in good condition and not worn out
8. Fuel System: the fuel system will be checked for any leaks or damage
9. Registration Plate and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): the registration plate and VIN will be checked to ensure that they are legible and match the vehicle's documents
10. Seats: a rider seat must be present and attached properly. Any other seats will need to be attached securely too
11. Sidecars: if sidecars are fitted, they need to be attached securely and in the correct alignment. Suspension, wheel bearings and tyres will be assessed too
12. Horn: the horn must be fitted correctly and be suitable for the vehicle
13. Throttle: this will be checked to make sure it works properly
14. Clutch lever: a motorcycle’s clutch lever shouldn’t be bent, damaged or shortened
15. Footrests: footrests should be present on all motorcycles and be fitted securely

If the car passes the MOT test, an MOT pass certificate will be issued that will be valid for 12 months. If the car fails the MOT test, a list of repairs will be provided before it can be retested.

There are three different types of MOT faults:

• Minor faults: these will be listed as ‘advisories’ on your MOT certificate. Although minor faults alone can’t cause you to fail an MOT, repairs should be made as soon as possible to avoid future problems
• Major faults: these will cause you to fail an MOT however, you will be able to drive your vehicle to a garage for repairs
• Dangerous faults: these will cause an MOT failure and you will not be able to drive your car at all until the necessary repairs have been done

Most common MOT fail reasons

The 11 most common reasons you can fail an MOT are:

1. Defective headlights, reflectors, or electrical equipment
2. Unstable suspension
3. Defective brakes
4. Inadequate tyre depth
5. Cracked windscreen and windscreen wipers that obstruct the view of the road
6. Loose body and structure
7. Noisy exhaust system
8. Insufficient steering fluid
9. Defective seatbelts and airbags
10. Damaged registration plate
11. Ineffective indicator lights

If the tester identifies any dangerous or major faults while testing the different components during the MOT test, it will result in an MOT failure and repairs will need to be done before the vehicle can be driven.

Read more about what can cause an MOT failure here

Failing an MOT test can be a costly and time-consuming experience.

Here are nine pre-checks you can do to minimise the risk of an MOT fail:

1. Lights and Electricals: check all the lights on your vehicle, including the headlights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights. Replace any bulbs that are not working, and make sure that the wiring is not damaged
2. Tyres and Wheels: check the condition of your tyres, including the tread depth, and ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure. Make sure that the wheels are not damaged or buckled
3. Brakes: test your brakes to ensure that they are working effectively and that the brake pads/discs are not worn out. If you hear any unusual noises or the brakes feel spongy, get them checked by a professional mechanic
4. Suspension and Steering: check to ensure that they are in good condition and not worn out
5. Windscreen and Wipers: check for any damage or cracks, and replace them if necessary. Make sure that the wipers are working correctly and are not damaged
6. Fluids: check the oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant levels. Top up any low fluids
7. Exhaust: look for any leaks or damage and replace any damaged or rusted sections
8. Bodywork: look for any damage, rust, or corrosion and repair any damage before taking the vehicle for an MOT test
9. Registration Plate and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): ensure that the registration plate and VIN are legible and match the vehicle's documents

View a complete MOT checklist and work through these pre-checks before your MOT test

Remember, these pre-checks are not a substitute for a professional MOT test. Therefore, it is still crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic

Book an MOT test near you here