Under ‘MOT Checks List’ you’ll find a complete description of all MOT Test checks.
Under ‘MOT Q&A’ you’ll find pages of questions posed on this website and answered by an MOT expert. (Please note that the answers were correct at the time of being published, and regulations may have changed since then).
Under the ‘MOT Manuals’ tab you’ll find copies of the actual manuals used by MOT Testers when carrying out the MOT Test.
https://motester.co.uk/links-to-all-mot-tests-mot-test-descriptions/
Under the ‘Motorcycle Checks’ tab is a list of checks carried out during the motorcycle MOT Test.
Under the ‘MOT Information for Motorists’ tab are many further documents with more MOT specific information, from vehicle categories, a price guide, information about DVSA, the government agency which administers the MOT, how to prepare your car for the MOT, and much more.
The following is a complete list of the checks your vehicle will undergo during its MOT Test. While this list groups the checks under each component, the Tester will carry out the checks in a specific sequence designed to save time, Testing all under-vehicle items or under-bonnet items at the same time for example.
MOT Test Check List – Bear in mind that a Tester may not fail an item if it is within the limits set by DVSA – if it is dangerously close to failing but still within limits the Tester must still pass it, but may give the vehicle an ‘Advisory’ notice. You are urged to take urgent notice and act on any Advisory items you may find on your certificate, for your own and other road users’ safety.
The Tester may also not dismantle any parts – he therefore can not check wheel nuts for example, if the hub caps are still in place. (Remove your hub caps before the Test if you want them to be inspected as part of the Test. However, they will be inspected visually only, ie for presence, but not for security or tightness).
Do you need to ask a qualified MOT Tester for advice? Your question might already be answered on the MOT Testing Forum. If not, register and ask an expert!
If you need detailed information about the full MOT check, to go to the online MOT Tester’s Manual.
Check the MOT Status of any vehicle here
During an MOT Test, what might a car – the same make and model with similar mileage to yours – fail on? Here’s where to find out; select your vehicle profile and find out instantly – using data from last year’s MOT results from the whole of the UK.
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The MOT Test checks list – overview The MOT Test checks list section is a complete list and description of the checks your vehicle will undergo during its MOT Test. While this list groups the checks under each component, the Tester will carry out the checks in a specific sequence designed to save time, Testing all under-vehicle items or under-bonnet…
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Identification of the vehicle (0) MOT Test of registration plates (number plate) A registration plate is required on the front and rear of most vehicles, unless they are unregistered, foreign, diplomatic or military. The MOT test includes a detailed inspection of the plates, their characters, and their conformity to regulations based on the age of the vehicle. Three-wheeled vehicles that…
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MOT Test of Lights, Headlamps and Electrical Equipment (4) (Formerly MOT Test of Lights and Headlamps) This section includes lights (lamps) for indicators, reversing, fog, number plate, reflectors etc. The precise requirements for vehicle lighting are complex and, to an extent, dependent upon the age of the vehicle as to where the lights should be situated on the vehicle, the…
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The links below will take you directly to the page which has details of the MOT test of that item, with descriptions of ‘Minor’, ‘Major’ and ‘Dangerous’ criteria.
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MOT Test of Brakes (1) Efficiency and balance of brakes is usually checked on a roller brake tester. In certain cases where a roller brake tester may not be used (for example on certain 4-wheel drive vehicles) it may be necessary to check brake efficiency and balance on a road test, with a portable decelerometer (pictured below). Mechanical components Unsurprisingly…
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MOT Test of Steering (2) Whilst the actual MOT test of steering is substantially unchanged, there are some aspects where there are subtle differences from the Tester’s point of view. However for motorists doing their best to check their vehicle’s steering for the MOT, much the same applies. Here are the checks the average motorist can do prior to the…
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Visibility (3) Formerly MOT Test of Windscreen The MOT windscreen Test includes all items affecting the driver’s view of the road: the condition of the windscreen, the wipers and washers. Satnavs in the windscreen, furry dice, air fresheners or trinkets hanging from the mirror are not allowed. (The Tester may remove them with your permission). On the basis that a…
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MOT Test of Mirrors – Visibility (3) View to the rear This section is now covered under the new general section ‘Visibility’ (3), which includes Windscreens, and is repeated in the relevant section on this website here. The Tester will check that all mandatory rear-view mirrors or indirect vision devices provide an adequate view to the rear from the driver’s…
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MOT Test of Bonnet Catch (3) The bonnet catch MOT checks are now included under “Visibility” – including the windscreen, mirrors and indirect vision cameras (Section 3) of the new MOT Testing Manual. The reasoning being that an insecure bonnet would be likely to fly up while the vehicle was moving and obscure the view of the driver. The Tester…
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MOT Test of Wheels and Tyres (5) (Formerly MOT Test of Tyres and Roadwheels condition) Wheels and tyres have been grouped together with axles and suspension in the May 2018 edition of the MOT Testing Manual. To simplify the description of the MOT checks the wheels and tyres checks are described in this section and axles and suspension are now…
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Axles and Suspension (5) (Formerly MOT Test of suspension) The grouping of MOT checks has changed with the May 2018 revised Testing Manual, and suspension is now included in the ‘Axles, Wheels, Tyres and Suspension’ section. To simplify the descriptions we are including Test descriptions of checks for axles and suspension here, and wheels and tyres are now grouped together…
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Body structure and attachments (6) MOT Test of vehicle structure, body condition (corrosion) and security This section covers the condition of the general structure of the vehicle (body) – including rust, corrosion etc, but doesn’t include ‘prescribed areas’ – parts of the structure to which Testable items such as brakes, steering, suspension and seat belt mountings etc are attached. Corrosion…
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MOT Test of Seats (6) Driver’s seat The driver’s seat will be checked for: structure not defective not insecure fore and aft adjustment mechanism works as intended does not move inadvertently backrest can be retained in the upright position The Tester will not check that the driver’s seat can be secured in all possible positions. For electrically adjusted seats the…
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MOT Test of coupling mechanisms and towing equipment (6) Formerly MOT Test of Tow Bar (Towing Hook) The tow bar is now part of section 6 of the new MOT Testing Manual – ‘Body, Structure and Attachments’. All types of coupling mechanisms and towbars fitted to the rear of a vehicle, including fifth-wheel couplings will be checked. Towing eyes are…
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MOT Test of Fuel System (6) The fuel system of vehicles with internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells will be inspected. Any fuel leak will result in a fail. A hole or split in the fuel tank or filler neck will result in a fail, even if the hole or split is above the fuel line. If unable to…
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MOT Test of Doors and door catches (6) Section 6 of the new MOT Testing Manual also includes inspection of the floor. The inspection of doors has changed. Before May 20th 2018 the condition of the door depended on which door was being inspected. Now all doors are inspected. A lack of door handles due to the original design or…
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MOT Test of Seat Belts (incl airbags and supplementary restraint systems (7) Formerly MOT Test of Seat Belts Most vehicles after 1965 must have seat belts. All seat belts fitted will be inspected. Child seats which are permanently attached to the vehicle using isofix or nuts and bolts will be inspected. Anchorages for the securing of disabled persons’ belts or…
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Audible Warning (7) Formerly MOT Test of horn An audible warning must be loud enough to be heard by other road users. For vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1973, the sound emitted must be continuous or uniform. It can’t be harsh or grating. The following can’t be used as an audible warning: gongs bells sirens anything that has more…
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Nuisance (8) (Previously MOT Test of Exhaust and Emissions) The MOT tests both the exhaust system and the emissions coming from the exhaust system. The May 2018 revision of the MOT Testing Manual groups exhaust emissions with noise and fluid emissions under the new heading of ‘Nuisance’. Noise suppression system The Tester will inspect: exhaust silencers under-bonnet noise deadening material…
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