MOT Checklist: What to Check Before Your Test (UK)

Before your MOT, check every light, tyre, number plate, windscreen, wiper and washer. Also test the horn, seat belts and doors, look for dashboard warning lights, and check for obvious fluid leaks. This MOT checklist gives you a simple walk-round to follow, explains common reasons vehicles fail and includes a few extra checks for vans.

The MOT checklist: what to check before your test

The MOT test covers lighting and signalling, steering, suspension, brakes, tyres and wheels, seat belts and restraints, bodywork and structure, exhaust emissions and the fuel system. It also checks doors, mirrors, wipers and washers, the windscreen, horn and registration plates. For vans, load security is important too. The DVSA MOT inspection manual sets out what testers inspect.

Use this walk-round to spot obvious issues. It is not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Outside the vehicle

• Lights and indicators: Switch on headlights, sidelights, indicators and hazard lights. Ask someone to check the brake lights while you press the pedal. Check the rear fog light, reversing lights and number plate light, where fitted. Clean the lenses and replace failed bulbs.
• Tyres and wheels: Check all tyres for cuts, bulges, exposed cords and uneven wear. The legal minimum tread depth for cars and light vans is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Check that tyres are correctly inflated and wheels appear secure.
• Windscreen, mirrors and wipers: Look for chips or cracks that could affect the driver’s view. Check mirrors are secure, glass is clean and wiper blades clear the screen properly.
• Number plates: Make sure front and rear plates are secure, clean and readable. Check the rear plate light works.
• Doors and bodywork: Open and close the doors, bonnet and boot or tailgate. Look for loose panels, sharp edges or obvious structural damage.
• Leaks: Look underneath for obvious drips of fuel, oil or other fluids.
• Van load: Remove unnecessary items and secure any load so it cannot shift, fall or obstruct the driver’s view.

In the cab

• Seat belts: Check each belt is present, undamaged, clicks into its buckle and retracts. Make sure seats and head restraints are secure.
• Dashboard warning lights: Start the engine and check that warning lights go out as they should. Don’t ignore a brake, ABS or airbag warning.
• Brakes and steering: Press the brake pedal and check it feels firm. Turn the steering wheel gently and listen for unusual noises. If either feels wrong, get professional advice rather than trying to diagnose it on the road.
• Horn: Press it briefly to check it works.
• Visibility controls: Test the wipers and washers. Top up screenwash, and remove anything that blocks your view through the windscreen or mirrors.

Under the bonnet

• Fluids: Check engine oil and coolant levels as described in the vehicle handbook. Top up screenwash if needed.
• Fuel cap and visible condition: Make sure the fuel cap is present and secure. Look for obvious leaks or damaged wiring, but don’t touch hot or moving parts.

Common MOT failure points, and quick checks

Lights, tyres and visibility are useful first checks because you can often spot a problem without specialist tools. Walk all the way around the vehicle and test every light; check each tyre, not just the ones easiest to see; and clean the windscreen, mirrors, lights and number plates.

Brake performance, steering and suspension faults are harder to assess safely at home. Pay attention to warning lights, unusual noises, pulling to one side or a change in how the brake pedal feels. If you notice any of these, book an inspection rather than hoping the MOT tester won’t find them.

A damaged windscreen, ineffective wipers or washers, insecure doors, faulty seat belts and unreadable registration plates can also cause problems. For a van, check the mirrors carefully and make sure the rear number plate light works, especially if the vehicle is regularly loaded or used in poor light.

MOT defects are recorded as dangerous, major, minor or advisory. Dangerous and major defects mean a fail; minor defects and advisories are noted but do not, by themselves, fail the test. An advisory is still worth acting on: it flags an issue to monitor or repair before it worsens. See our guide to MOT advisories.

When is your MOT due?

In Great Britain, cars and most light vans need their first MOT by the third anniversary of their first registration, then once a year. Northern Ireland uses a separate DVA testing system, so check the rules for your location.

You can check your MOT date and test history for free on GOV.UK using the vehicle registration. The MOT record comes from the DVSA. You can usually book a test up to a month minus a day before the expiry date and keep the same renewal date; check the current GOV.UK guidance on getting an MOT.

If you run two cars or a few vans, dates are easy to lose track of. Motorlane Fleet pulls each vehicle’s MOT date from the DVSA and sends reminders 30, 14 and 7 days before it falls due, and keeps tax, insurance and service dates alongside it.

Daily walkaround checks also help you catch the small things, such as bulbs, tyre wear and cracked mirrors, before they turn into MOT failures. Our guide to the van walkaround check shows what a good daily check covers.

What should you leave to a mechanic?

Some checks need proper equipment and expertise. Emissions are measured during the test, and brake performance is tested on specialist equipment. If you have warning lights, unusual smoke, poor braking, suspected exhaust trouble or a previous advisory you have not dealt with, book a service or pre-MOT check.

A professional can investigate issues you may not be able to see on a walk-round, including suspension wear, brake faults and emissions problems. A clean vehicle with an uncluttered interior can also make it easier for the tester to carry out the inspection.

If the vehicle fails, it is not legal to drive it except to a place of repair or a pre-arranged test, unless its previous MOT certificate is still valid and no dangerous defect was found. Even then, it must be roadworthy. Follow the instructions on the failure notice and check the GOV.UK rules after an MOT.

A final check before you go

Take a last look at the lights, tyres, plates and windscreen, and make sure the load is secure if you’re taking a van. Fix obvious faults before the appointment, and get expert help if something affecting safety does not feel right.

Keep MOT dates, tax, insurance and service reminders for every vehicle in one place, with daily checks your drivers can do on their phone, nothing to download. Motorlane Fleet offers a 14-day free trial, with plans from £4.99 a month. See the plans and pricing.

This article is general information, not legal advice. MOT rules can change; check GOV.UK for the current requirements.