If your vehicle's MOT is approaching, carrying out a few simple checks beforehand could help you avoid an unnecessary failure and the associated repair or retest costs.
This MOT checklist explains what to check before an MOT, what testers look for during the inspection, and how to improve your chances of passing first time.
Whether you're managing a fleet of vehicles or preparing your own car or van for testing, these practical tips will help you stay compliant and keep your vehicles on the road.
Why do you need an MOT?
Vehicles that are 3 years old or older must have an annual MOT test to ensure they meet the minimum safety requirements by law. Your MOT test certificate must be renewed every year. This ensures that all vehicles on the road are safe to drive.
If you’re caught driving without an MOT, then you could face a £1,000 fine, so it’s important to book your MOT test before it runs out. Some drivers may not be aware that you cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has expired. Your vehicle can only be driven to or from somewhere to be repaired or to a pre-arranged MOT test.
An MOT is a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old in the UK and helps ensure vehicles meet minimum road safety and environmental standards.
What do they check in an MOT?
During an MOT, testers inspect a wide range of safety and environmental components to ensure your vehicle meets legal standards.
Areas checked include:
Lights and indicators
Steering and suspension
Brakes
Tyres and wheels
Windscreen and wipers
Seatbelts
Registration plates
Horn
Mirrors
Exhaust system
Vehicle emissions
While the MOT checks the condition and operation of these components, it is not a full vehicle service. For a more detailed vehicle inspection process, read our Vehicle Inspection Checklist guide.
How much does an MOT cost?
There is a maximum amount that MOT test stations can charge, which depends on the vehicle type. Currently, the maximum price of an MOT for a car is £54.85 and £58.60 for an HGV.
How to pass your MOT test first time
It’s been reported that 1 in 3 vehicles fail their MOT on the first attempt. This keeps vehicles off the road longer, which can be costly for your business. To help ensure your fleet passes an MOT first time, every time, we’ve compiled some useful advice about what vehicle checks you should undertake in advance of your test. Fleet operators should also ensure they remain compliant with wider legal responsibilities beyond MOT testing.
Car lights, brake lights and indicators
Nearly a fifth of all cars that fail their MOT have a lighting issue. This can be prevented by switching on all the lights and then walking around your vehicle to check that they’re all in working order. This will show whether you need to replace any bulbs on your vehicle before your MOT. Regular servicing can help identify brake issues before they become MOT failures.
Brakes
For you to stay safe on the road, it’s essential that your brakes are working correctly. If your brakes ever feel spongy or make unusual noises when driving or braking, it’s advisable to have them checked and replaced as soon as possible. To pass your MOT test first time, your handbrake and brake pedal must be 100% operational, so it’s important for them to have previously been checked.
Car windscreen and wipers
Before your MOT test, you should inspect your windscreen for any deep cracks or chips. If there are any obstructions in the area directly in front of the driver that are larger than 10mm, then your vehicle would not pass its MOT. It’s also recommended that you remove any attachments, such as phone cradles, that are stuck to the window.
Windscreen wipers must be in good condition. If they appear worn or cracked, then it may be worth replacing them before your MOT appointment.
Tyres
Any tyres that do not meet the legal requirement of 1.6mm tyre tread depth in a continuous band around the central ¾ of the tyre will not pass an MOT. Drivers can check for this issue themselves as most tyres have tread wear indicators. You should also inspect your tyres for any cuts, cracks, or bulges in the sidewall.
Exhaust
Your vehicle may fail its MOT if the noise levels are deemed to be excessive by the MOT inspector and it must be free from serious leaks or advanced corrosion. Checking for unusual, excessive noises or rattles coming from your exhaust will minimise the risk of your vehicle failing the MOT test.
Emissions
Vehicle emission testing is now a fundamental component of all MOT tests. High emissions are classed as a major fault which will impact whether your vehicle passes or fails. This tends to affect diesel vehicles more, but with proper maintenance, emission levels can be improved. Keeping up with routine maintenance is one of the best ways to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce the risk of MOT issues. Regular oil checks and servicing can improve efficiency, or you can use fuel additives, which will help to clean out your fuel system.
Steering
It’s more challenging to assess your vehicle’s steering system yourself, but there are usually warning signs that you can look out for. If your vehicle pulls to one side when driving or you hear any unusual noises, then you should seek out mechanical advice to ensure that you pass your MOT test the first time.
Registration plates
Did you know that you can fail your MOT if your registration plates are too dirty? This can easily be rectified by ensuring that your registration plates are clean and clear. They should also be securely attached and professionally manufactured from the correct reflective material.
You can set up your fuel card to allow car wash purchases so you can ensure your fleet is clean and manage the cost with an HMRC-approved invoice.
Horn
Before your MOT, you should test your vehicle’s horn. This should be tested in an area where you will not disturb other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. If your horn does not work, then it needs to be repaired or replaced before your MOT.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts should not be cut or frayed, and they must be able to clip securely into the holder. It’s also essential that your seatbelts lock fully in the event of a collision. By tugging sharply, you can test if they will, if they do not you may risk failing your MOT.
Vehicle cleanliness
Vehicles that are excessively filthy may be refused by the MOT tester. It’s therefore advised that you thoroughly clean your vehicle inside and out and remove personal possessions to make the inspection easier.
Essential fluids
Ensuring that all the essential fluids are topped up is one of the final checks you should make before your MOT. You should check the engine oil, windscreen washer fluid and brake fluid to prevent any warning lights on your dashboard.
In addition, your vehicle must have sufficient fuel for the MOT because the tester will need to run your engine for the emissions test. If there isn’t enough fuel, then your test will be marked as incomplete, which results in an automatic fail.
Even with careful preparation, some vehicles still fail their MOT due to common issues such as faulty lighting, tyre defects and brake problems. Understanding the most common MOT fail reasons can help you avoid unexpected repairs and downtime.
Booking your MOT test
You can book your MOT online or via the phone at most garages. Some will even collect your vehicle and return it on the same day for no extra cost.
Preparing for an MOT doesn't need to be complicated. By checking your tyres, lights, brakes, windscreen, fluids and other key safety components beforehand, you can improve your chances of passing first time and reduce unnecessary vehicle downtime.
For businesses operating multiple vehicles, a proactive maintenance programme combined with regular inspections can help keep fleets compliant, efficient and on the road throughout the year.
MOT frequently asked questions
How much does an MOT cost?
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MOT test centres can charge up to a maximum fee set by the government. Currently, the maximum MOT fee for a car is £54.85, although many garages offer discounted tests.
Can an MOT test be done early?
Yes. You can have an MOT test completed up to one month (minus one day) before your current certificate expires without changing your renewal date.
Can I drive without an MOT?
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Driving without a valid MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The only exceptions are travelling to a pre-booked MOT appointment or driving to a garage for repairs related to the test.
What happens if my vehicle fails its MOT?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you'll receive a refusal certificate detailing the faults that need to be repaired before the vehicle can pass.
Is an MOT the same as a vehicle service?
No. An MOT checks whether a vehicle meets minimum legal safety and environmental standards, while a service focuses on maintaining the vehicle's overall condition and performance.
