The steering system is a critical part of the MOT test. An MOT tester checks the steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, steering linkages and power steering system to make sure the vehicle can be steered safely and reliably.

The MOT steering test looks for excessive wear, free play, insecure or damaged components, power steering faults and other defects that could affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.

Some steering defects result in a Major MOT failure, while more serious problems that significantly affect safe steering can be classified as Dangerous.

This guide explains what is checked, common steering MOT failures and the defect categories that can apply.

For an overview of the complete test, see our MOT Test Checklist: What Is Checked on an MOT?.

What steering components are checked during an MOT?

Depending on the vehicle and its steering system, the MOT inspection can include:

• Steering wheel

• Steering column

• Steering rack or steering box

• Steering gear mountings

• Steering linkages

• Track rods and steering joints

• Ball joints associated with steering

• Steering rack gaiters and dust covers

• Power steering system

• Power steering fluid where applicable

• Power steering pipes, hoses and wiring

• Electronic power steering (EPS)

• Steering warning lights

• Steering free play

• Steering movement from lock to lock

• Rear-wheel steering where fitted

• Fly-by-wire steering systems where applicable

The tester also looks for steering components that are damaged, insecure, excessively worn, incorrectly modified or interfering with other parts of the vehicle.

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How is steering checked during an MOT?

The precise inspection depends on the design of the vehicle.

The tester can inspect components from above and below the vehicle and apply loads to steering components to identify excessive wear or movement.

Approved wheel play detectors may also be used.

The steering can be operated from side to side while components are examined for movement, wear and security.

The wheels may also be turned from lock to lock so that the tester can check that the steering operates correctly and does not foul other parts of the vehicle.

Power steering systems are inspected with the system operating where appropriate.

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Steering gear condition

The steering gear includes components such as the steering rack or steering box and associated mechanisms.

The tester assesses the steering gear for excessive roughness, wear, movement and other defects that could affect its operation.

Steering gear condition – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Excessive roughness in operation of steering	MAJOR
Sector shaft twisted or splines excessively worn	MAJOR
Sector shaft twisted or splines worn sufficiently to affect functionality	DANGEROUS
Sector shaft excessively worn	MAJOR
Sector shaft worn sufficiently to affect functionality	DANGEROUS
Excessive movement of sector shaft	MAJOR
Movement sufficiently excessive to affect functionality	DANGEROUS
Steering box leaking oil	MINOR
Steering box leaking sufficiently for oil to be dripping	MAJOR

A steering system that feels rough, tight or inconsistent should therefore be investigated before the vehicle is presented for an MOT.

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Steering rack and steering gear security

The steering rack or steering box must be securely attached to the vehicle.

The tester checks the steering gear itself as well as its mounting points and fixings.

The condition of the surrounding vehicle structure can also be important because serious corrosion or damage around a steering mounting can compromise the security of the system.

Steering gear security – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Steering gear casing not properly attached	MAJOR
Retaining devices dangerously loose or relative movement to body/chassis visible	DANGEROUS
Steering gear fixing holes elongated	MAJOR
Fixing holes elongated sufficiently to seriously affect attachment	DANGEROUS
Steering gear fixing bolt missing or ineffective	MAJOR
Missing/ineffective fixings seriously affecting attachment	DANGEROUS
Steering gear casing fractured	MAJOR
Fracture affecting stability or attachment of steering gear	DANGEROUS
Load-bearing structure around a steering mounting significantly weakened or inadequately repaired	MAJOR
Structure sufficiently weakened that vehicle control is likely to be affected	DANGEROUS

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Steering linkage and joints

The MOT steering inspection includes the components that transfer steering movement to the road wheels.

These can include:

• Track rods

• Drag links

• Ball joints

• Steering arms

• Relays and idlers

• Other linkage components

The tester looks for excessive wear, free play, damage, deformation and insecure components.

Steering linkage – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Relative movement between components that should be fixed	MAJOR
Excessive movement or serious risk of component detachment	DANGEROUS
Steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play	MAJOR
Ball joint worn sufficiently to create serious risk of detachment	DANGEROUS
Steering linkage component fractured or deformed	MAJOR
Fracture/deformation affecting steering	DANGEROUS
Steering linkage retaining or locking device missing or ineffective	MAJOR
Track rod or drag link ends seriously misaligned	MAJOR
Unsafe modification to steering linkage	MAJOR
Modification affecting steering	DANGEROUS

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Steering rack gaiters and ball-joint dust covers

Protective gaiters and dust covers help prevent dirt and contamination entering steering joints and mechanisms.

The tester checks applicable steering rack gaiters and ball-joint dust covers.

Gaiters and dust covers – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Steering rack gaiter or ball-joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated	MINOR
Gaiter or dust cover missing or no longer preventing the ingress of dirt	MAJOR

A split gaiter is therefore worth dealing with before contamination causes more expensive wear to the component it is intended to protect.

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Steering movement and fouling

The steering should operate throughout its required range without components fouling other parts of the vehicle.

During the MOT the wheels can be moved through their steering range to assess operation.

Steering operation – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Steering linkage fouling part of the vehicle	MAJOR
Required steering lock-stop missing or incorrectly adjusted	MAJOR

A missing steering lock-stop is only a defect where one should have been fitted as standard.

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Power steering

Hydraulic, electro-hydraulic and electronic power steering systems can form part of the MOT inspection.

Where applicable, the tester can assess:

• Operation of the power assistance

• Fluid level

• Fluid leaks

• Power steering components

• Pipes and hoses

• Electrical wiring

• Component security

• Fouling or misalignment

• Unsafe modifications

If power assistance is not working, further assessment may sometimes be necessary to determine whether the steering itself is adversely affected.

Power steering – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Power steering fluid leaking or system malfunctioning	MAJOR
Power steering fluid below minimum level	MINOR
Power steering reservoir empty	MAJOR
Power steering inoperative	MAJOR
Power steering inoperative and steering adversely affected	DANGEROUS
Power steering component fractured or insecure	MAJOR
Component fractured/insecure and steering adversely affected	DANGEROUS
Power steering component fouling or misaligned	MAJOR
Fouling/misalignment adversely affecting steering	DANGEROUS
Unsafe modification to power steering	MAJOR
Modification adversely affecting steering	DANGEROUS
Power steering pipe, hose or wiring excessively damaged or corroded	MAJOR
Damage/corrosion adversely affecting steering	DANGEROUS

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Will a power steering leak fail an MOT?

It can.

The significance of the leak and the condition of the system determine the result.

A low power steering fluid level can result in a Minor defect, while an empty reservoir is more serious.

A power steering system malfunction or qualifying leak can result in a Major defect.

If a power steering problem adversely affects the vehicle’s steering, the defect can become Dangerous.

If you notice fluid underneath the front of the vehicle or regularly need to top up the power steering reservoir, have the system checked before the MOT.

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Steering wheel

The steering wheel itself is inspected for security and condition.

The tester checks for excessive movement between the steering wheel and column and examines the wheel for damage or looseness that could compromise steering.

Steering wheel – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Relative movement between steering wheel and column indicating looseness	MAJOR
Movement creating a serious risk of steering wheel detachment	DANGEROUS
Steering wheel retaining device missing	MAJOR
Steering wheel likely to become detached	DANGEROUS
Steering wheel rim or spokes fractured or loose	MAJOR
Rim or spokes likely to become detached	DANGEROUS

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Steering column

The steering column and its associated components are also inspected.

The tester can check flexible couplings and universal joints for condition and excessive movement.

The security of the steering column is particularly important.

Steering column – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Excessive up/down movement at centre of steering wheel	MAJOR
Excessive radial movement indicating excessively worn upper column bearing	MAJOR
Flexible coupling excessively deteriorated	MAJOR
Steering column attachment defective	MAJOR
Column defective/loose with serious risk of detachment	DANGEROUS
Unsafe modification to steering column, forks or fork yoke	MAJOR

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Steering wheel play

Excessive free play in the steering can indicate wear in the steering system.

The tester can check this by moving the steering wheel and assessing how far it turns before movement occurs at the road wheels.

The acceptable amount depends on the construction of the steering system and other relevant factors.

Steering play – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
Free play at steering wheel excessively high	MAJOR
Free play excessive enough to affect safe steering	DANGEROUS

Can excessive steering play fail an MOT?

Yes.

Excessive steering free play is a Major defect.

If the amount of play is so severe that safe steering is affected, it can be classified as Dangerous.

If you can move the steering wheel noticeably from side to side without the front wheels responding, the steering should be inspected before the MOT.

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Electronic power steering (EPS)

Electronic power steering is now fitted to a large proportion of modern vehicles.

The MOT inspection includes relevant electronic steering systems and warning indications.

If an EPS malfunction indicator lamp shows a system malfunction, this can result in an MOT failure.

Electronic power steering – quick reference

Defect	MOT category
EPS malfunction indicator lamp showing a system malfunction	MAJOR
Fly-by-wire steering wheel and road-wheel angles inconsistent	MAJOR
Inconsistency sufficient to affect safe steering	DANGEROUS
Electronic power assistance not working	MAJOR

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Will an EPS warning light fail an MOT?

An EPS malfunction indicator lamp showing a system malfunction is a Major defect, resulting in an MOT failure.

An illuminated steering warning light should therefore be investigated rather than simply being ignored before the MOT.

Possible causes range from electrical or sensor problems to faults within the power steering system itself.

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Rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire systems

Some vehicles use steering systems that are substantially more sophisticated than a conventional mechanical front-wheel steering arrangement.

These can include:

• Rear-wheel steering

• Electronic power assistance

• Steer-by-wire or fly-by-wire systems

Applicable components and operation are included within the MOT inspection.

On relevant fly-by-wire systems, the relationship between the steering-wheel angle and the road-wheel angle is assessed.

A serious inconsistency affecting safe steering can be classified as Dangerous.

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Common steering MOT failures

Steering problems that can result in MOT defects include:

• Excessive steering wheel play

• Worn track-rod ends

• Excessively worn steering ball joints

• Loose steering components

• Insecure steering rack or steering box

• Damaged steering rack gaiter

• Missing or ineffective retaining devices

• Steering components fouling other parts of the vehicle

• Power steering leaks

• Low power steering fluid

• Empty power steering reservoir

• Failed power steering

• Damaged power steering hoses or wiring

• Loose or damaged steering wheel

• Excessively worn steering column components

• EPS warning light indicating a malfunction

• Unsafe steering modifications

Some of these problems can progress from a Major defect to a Dangerous defect when the fault is severe enough to affect safe steering.

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Signs of steering problems before an MOT

Drivers should pay attention to symptoms such as:

• Steering wheel feels loose

• Excessive movement before the wheels respond

• Knocking or clunking when steering

• Steering feels unusually heavy

• Steering is heavier in one direction than the other

• Vehicle continually pulls or tries to steer to one side

• Steering feels rough or notchy

• Fluid visible beneath the steering system

• Power steering fluid level repeatedly falls

• EPS or steering warning light illuminated

• Unusual noises when turning the steering wheel

These symptoms don’t automatically mean that a vehicle will fail its MOT, but they are good reasons to have the steering inspected.

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Pre-MOT steering checklist

There are some simple checks a motorist can make before an MOT.

With the vehicle stationary

Check:

• Steering wheel feels securely attached

• No obviously excessive steering-wheel movement

• Steering turns smoothly

• No unusual knocking or grinding noises

• EPS/power steering warning light isn’t showing a malfunction

• Power steering assistance appears to work normally

Under the bonnet where accessible

Look for:

• Correct power steering fluid level on applicable vehicles

• Obvious fluid leaks

• Obviously loose or damaged components

• Damaged hoses or pipes

Do not work underneath a vehicle unless it has been correctly and safely supported.

Many steering components cannot be adequately assessed without appropriate equipment and access beneath the vehicle, which is why an MOT tester performs a much more detailed inspection.

For other areas worth checking before the test, see our complete MOT test checklist.

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MOT Steering FAQs

What steering is checked on an MOT?

The MOT can include the steering wheel, steering column, steering rack or steering box, steering linkages and joints, power steering equipment, steering free play and applicable electronic steering systems.

Can steering play fail an MOT?

Yes. Excessive free play in the steering is a Major defect. If the play is sufficiently severe to affect safe steering, it can be classified as Dangerous.

Will a power steering fault fail an MOT?

It can. Inoperative power steering is a Major defect. If the fault adversely affects steering, it can become a Dangerous defect.

Will low power steering fluid fail an MOT?

Where the relevant inspection applies, power steering fluid below the minimum level can be classified as Minor. An empty reservoir is a Major defect.

Will a power steering leak fail an MOT?

A qualifying power steering leak or malfunction can result in a Major defect. The tester assesses the nature and severity of the fault.

Will an EPS warning light fail an MOT?

An EPS malfunction indicator lamp indicating a system malfunction is a Major defect.

Will a split steering rack gaiter fail an MOT?

It depends on its condition. A damaged or deteriorated steering rack gaiter can be Minor. If it is missing or no longer prevents dirt from entering, it can be Major.

Will a worn track-rod end fail an MOT?

Excessive wear or free play in an applicable steering joint can result in a Major defect. If the wear creates a serious risk of detachment, it can be Dangerous.

Does the MOT check the steering rack?

Yes. The steering gear, including applicable steering racks and their attachment, condition and operation, forms part of the steering inspection.

Does an MOT tester check the steering wheel?

Yes. The tester checks relevant aspects of steering-wheel security and condition, including excessive movement between the steering wheel and column.

Does the MOT check rear-wheel steering?

Applicable rear-wheel steering equipment is included where fitted.

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MOT steering defect categories

The MOT uses defect categories according to the nature and severity of the problem.

Minor

A Minor defect does not have a significant effect on vehicle safety or the environment.

The vehicle can still pass its MOT, although the defect should be repaired.

Major

A Major defect results in an MOT failure.

Dangerous

A Dangerous defect represents a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious environmental impact.

The vehicle fails its MOT and should not be driven until the dangerous defect has been repaired.

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Steering, suspension, tyres and wheel condition

Steering faults can sometimes be related to or confused with problems elsewhere in the vehicle.

For example, pulling, vibration, unusual tyre wear or poor handling may involve tyres, wheels, suspension or steering components.

Read our MOT test of tyres and wheels and MOT test of suspension for the other related inspection areas.

MOT testers and garage professionals may also be interested in our detailed MOT Workshop: Steering and Suspension technical article.

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More information about MOT steering requirements

Steering systems vary considerably between vehicles, from conventional mechanical steering racks and hydraulic power steering to electronic power assistance, rear-wheel steering and modern electronically controlled systems.

The precise inspection and applicable defect classification therefore depend on the vehicle, the system fitted and the severity of any defect.

For an overview of all the main areas inspected, see our complete MOT Test Checklist.

You can also browse our individual MOT test descriptions and checks.

For the definitive technical requirements, refer to the DVSA MOT inspection manual – Steering.

This article provides general information about MOT steering requirements in Great Britain. Requirements can vary according to vehicle type, design and equipment fitted and can change. MOT testers should always refer to the current DVSA MOT inspection manual when applying test standards and defect classifications.