Everything you need to know about your MOT: A complete checklist

What is an MOT and why do you need one?

Initially introduced in 1960, the test is a legal requirement in the UK for vehicles over 3 years old. The test itself is designed to check the safety and emissions of a vehicle, it's not a service of any kind. If your car passes, the result will be recorded in the MOT database, and your car will be deemed roadworthy for a year.

A 'major' or 'dangerous' problem with your vehicle will result in a failed test. You might not be able to drive the vehicle again until the problems are fixed. A 'minor' or 'advisory' issue could also be flagged to resolve in the future, but these problems alone won't result in a failed MOT.

You can receive a fine of up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. You'll be able to book an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before its expiry while keeping the same renewal date.

When is your MOT due, and how can you check?

You'll be legally required to book an MOT test to drive when your vehicle reaches the third anniversary of its registration. After this, you must ensure you arrange an MOT for your vehicle before the one-year anniversary of its last test to continue driving.

You can check whether your MOT is due by searching for your vehicle on the GOV.UK website. To avoid it creeping up without realising, you can get free MOT reminders via text or email. You can also use this service to view or stop reminders.

This service isn't available if you live in Northern Ireland. Instead, you'll receive a reminder by post 7 weeks before your MOT is due.

You don't need to book an MOT if your vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago. However, your exemption is only valid if no 'substantial changes' have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years. This refers to changes to the engine or body, such as the chassis of the vehicle, for example.

What documents do you need for your MOT?

MOT garages can typically access your vehicle's records online, but you should bring your V5C logbook for your first MOT, or if you've changed your number plate.

There is an online service provided by the government to replace a lost or damaged MOT certificate. To apply, you'll need the vehicle registration (number plate) and the 11-digit number from the vehicle logbook (V5C).

You must have a valid driving licence and car insurance cover in place to drive your vehicle to the MOT test centre. If your existing MOT certificate has expired, you should take a booking confirmation of the test. You're only legally permitted to drive without a valid MOT if you're driving to a pre-arranged MOT or if you're going to have fixed a major or dangerous issue highlighted in an MOT.

How much does an MOT cost?

The cost of an MOT in the UK is capped by the government. A Class 4 MOT (this is for cars with up to 8 passenger seats) has a maximum cost of £54.85. The cost of an MOT for a standard motorcycle is capped at £29.65. However, the cost of an MOT can vary based on the type of vehicle, its weight, and the size of its engine.

You can check online to find out the maximum cost of an MOT for your vehicle. Some MOT centres may charge less than the stated maximum fee, so it's always worth comparing costs before booking.

If your vehicle fails an MOT, but you promptly fix the outstanding issue(s), your retest may be discounted or free.

Your comprehensive pre-MOT checklist: Things to check before your test

Ensuring your car is safe and running smoothly is something to keep on top of. Doing so can help reduce the risk of a failed MOT and potential issues worsening gradually.

Before booking an MOT, it's worth checking over your vehicle, paying attention to key areas, such as:

Lights

Check all exterior lights (headlights, sidelights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, and number plate lights) are working as normal.

Headlights should be correctly aimed. You can check by turning on low and full beam against a wall. Your vehicle's manual should explain how to adjust your headlights if you need to.

You'll also need to ensure any dashboard warning lights are off (e.g., ABS, engine management, airbag). These warning lights can indicate an issue that needs attending to.

Tyres

The minimum legal tread depth of a car in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference.

There's a quick and easy way to test this - you can insert a 20p coin into the main groove of a tyre to check the tread. If you cannot see the outer section of the coin, the tread is legal.

If you need to change a tyre, your car's manual should help you identify the size and type of tures that fit your car. A budget or mid-range tyre can cost £45 to £75, according to Checkatrade, if you follow instructions to fit it yourself.

Tyre pressure is a fairly common dashboard warning light. If this appears, you should check your tyre pressure at a garage or with a pressure gauge. You can find the recommended tyre pressures in your car's manual before adding air to your tyres.

It's also worth simply checking over your tyres occasionally to ensure there are no cuts, bulges, nails or damage to sidewalls.

Windscreen and wipers

When it comes to your windscreen, it might require a close inspection prior to an MOT. That's because chips or cracks larger than 10mm in the driver's central view or 40mm in the swept area can result in your vehicle failing its MOT.

You'll need to ensure any major obstructions, such as large stickers and air fresheners, are removed, especially if they interfere with your line of vision.

The vehicle's wiper blades should be functional. This means you'll need to ensure they're not damaged or broken and can clear the screen effectively. It's also important that you check the windscreen washer jets are working and screen wash is topped up.

Brakes

An MOT will test the condition and efficiency of a vehicle's brakes. When you press down on your brake pedal, it should feel firm and responsive, not spongy. The handbrake must hold the car securely when applied.

Any unusual noises when braking should be assessed by a mechanic, as this could signal a problem with the vehicle's brakes.

Prior to an MOT, you should check your brake fluid level. This should be changed approximately every 2 years, or every 24,000 miles.

Steering and suspension

Your vehicle's steering should feel smooth and responsive, with no excessive play. If there's an issue with the steering system, a power steering warning light should appear on the vehicle's dashboard.

You should ask a mechanic to assess a vehicle's suspension if you notice any of the following:

• Unusual noises when driving over bumps

• If your car leans to one side

• A journey in your car is bumpier than usual

• Your car drifts when you go around corners

• You can hear a knocking sound

It's also worth checking for damage or obvious leaks to shock absorbers. You can test shock absorbers by parking your car on a level surface and pushing down firmly on one corner of the car's body.

When you release it, a functional shock absorber will settle the vehicle after one or two bounces. Persisting bouncing could indicate a worn shock absorber that needs replacing.

Exhaust system

Excessive smoke or unusual noises such as rattling or blowing can indicate an issue with a vehicle's exhaust system. It's important to check for any visible leaks and that the exhaust itself is securely attached.

Number plates

Your vehicle's number plates should be clean, clearly visible, and securely attached. Number plates must follow a set of guidelines in regard to font, spacing and colour. You can view the guidelines for number plates to ensure yours is compliant.

Horn

You need to ensure your vehicle's horn is functional and loud enought to be heard. It must be a continuous sound. The following can't be used as an audible warning:

• Sirens

• Bells

• Gongs

• A sound that has more than one tone

Seatbelts

During an MOT, a vehicle's seatbelts are tested for anchorage, any potential damage and that they retract properly. The latch mechanisms must work securely. Issues with seatbelts are typically classed as a major or dangerous fault and must be fixed before you're legally permitted to drive the vehicle again.

Mirrors

Vehicle mirrors must be present, secure and undamaged. In some instances, indirect vision cameras may replace mirrors. If alternative camera(s) have been fitted, the screen will be inspected instead.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A vehicle must display a visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If a VIN is either missing or incorrect, it may count as a major fault resulting in a failed MOT. You'll also need to ensure that the VIN matches the V5C logbook.

Bodywork and doors

When you're checking over your vehicle before an MOT, look out for any signs of rust, sharp edges or excessive corrosion. You'll also need to ensure doors, the boot and the bonnet open and close securely.

What are the most common reasons vehicles fail their MOT?

Some of the most common reasons for vehicles failing an MOT include:

• Lights and signals

• Suspension

• Brakes

• Tyrese

• Windows and mirrors

• Body, chassis and structure

• Noise, emissions and leaks

You might be able to fix some of these issues yourself. However, other problems may require a closer inspection by a qualified mechanic. If you're proactive, you can prevent certain issues from worsening and costing more money to fix.

It's worth reading through our checklist above for help in addressing certain areas of your vehicle.

What happens if your vehicle fails its MOT?

If your vehicle fails its MOT, the result will be recorded in the MOT database. Your MOT history is updated online, where you can also see all of your previous test results.

If you drive your vehicle despite failing an MOT with a dangerous fault, you can be fined up to £2,500. You can also be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points on your licence.

If you're unsatisfied with your MOT result, you can appeal the decision. You should postpone any repairs until the appeal process has been completed.

If your vehicle has failed an MOT, and you immediately carry out repairs, you can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

During an MOT, your car is assessed for any potential problems. These problems are listed on your test result and are placed into categories based on their severity. Here are the different categories and an explanation for each:

Dangerous

A dangerous fault will result in a failed test. This type of issue poses a risk to your safety and others and you won't be able to drive the vehicle until the problem is fixed.

Major

A major fault also results in a failed MOT. Although not as serious as a dangerous fault, your safety and the safety of those around you is still at risk. You may still be able to drive the vehicle depending on the conditions, which can be found online.

Minor

You can pass an MOT with a minor fault. These issues pose no immediate risk, but you should consider repairing the problem where possible.

Advisory

An advisory is simply a potential issue that has been flagged for future consideration. These problems may worsen over time, so it's worth keeping an eye on the issue and carrying out repairs if necessary.

Pass

A pass is good news. Your vehicle has met the legal requirements to be roadworthy. This result should not prevent you from ensuring your vehicle is safe and carrying out regular maintenance.

Can you use a council MOT test centre?

Some local authorities in the UK provide council MOT test centres. These test centres typically provide MOT tests for council-owned vehicles, but are also open to the general public.

Council MOT test centres don't generally offer repairs as a service. So, if you're anticipating that your vehicle might need repairs, you should consider other centres with repair services.

If your vehicle is tested at a council MOT centre and a dangerous fault is designated, you could have to pay for transportation to a repair garage.