MOT Preparation Checklist
Complete MOT preparation checklist. Simple checks you can do yourself to avoid common MOT failures and save money on repairs.
About the MOT Test
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test checks your car meets minimum safety and environmental standards. All cars over 3 years old need an MOT every year. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and invalidates your insurance.
Key Facts:
- • Cost: Maximum £54.85 for cars (many garages charge less)
- • When: Required once your car turns 3 years old
- • Frequency: Every 12 months
- • Book early: You can book up to 1 month before expiry without losing time
- • Pass rate: Around 70% of cars pass first time
Top 10 MOT Failure Reasons
| Issue | % of Failures | Easy to Check? |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 29% | ✓ Yes |
| Suspension | 13% | ✗ Needs mechanic |
| Brakes | 10% | ✗ Needs mechanic |
| Tyres | 7% | ✓ Yes |
| Exhaust & emissions | 7% | △ Partially |
| Driver's view of the road | 6% | ✓ Yes |
| Steering | 5% | ✗ Needs mechanic |
| Windscreen wipers & washers | 4% | ✓ Yes |
| Seat belts | 3% | ✓ Yes |
| Registration plate | 2% | ✓ Yes |
Your DIY Pre-MOT Checklist
Do these checks yourself 1-2 weeks before your MOT. You could fix many failures yourself and save £££.
✓ Lights & Indicators (29% of failures)
- Check ALL bulbs work: headlights (dipped & main beam), brake lights, indicators, rear lights, fog lights, numberplate light
- Get someone to help or use reflections/reversing near wall
- Check indicator flashes at normal speed (fast flashing = blown bulb)
- Clean all light lenses - dirt can cause failure
- Replace any blown bulbs - takes 10 mins, costs £5-15
✓ Tyres (7% of failures)
- Check tread depth - minimum 1.6mm across central 3/4 of tyre
- Use 20p test: insert 20p in tread - if outer band visible, too worn
- Check pressures (find correct pressure in handbook or door jamb sticker)
- Look for cuts, bulges, or cracks in sidewalls
- Check all 4 tyres (or 5 if includes spare)
✓ Windscreen, Wipers & Washers (10% of failures)
- Check windscreen for chips/cracks (chip bigger than 10mm in driver's view = fail)
- Test wipers - must clear screen effectively without streaks
- Replace worn wiper blades (£10-25)
- Fill washer fluid reservoir
- Test washers spray correctly onto windscreen
✓ Horn
- Test horn works
- Should be loud and clear - not faint or crackly
✓ Seat Belts (3% of failures)
- Check ALL seat belts retract properly
- Look for fraying or damage to webbing
- Test buckles click in and release properly
- Check mounting points are secure
✓ Registration Plates (2% of failures)
- Clean both front and rear plates
- Check all characters are readable - no fading or damage
- Ensure plates are securely attached
- Must be standard font and size - no fancy styles
✓ Mirrors
- Check interior mirror is secure
- Check both door mirrors are secure and adjustable
- Look for cracks in mirror glass
✓ Fuel Cap
- Check fuel cap closes properly and seals
- Should hear/feel a click when closed
✓ Warning Lights
- Turn on ignition - all warning lights should illuminate then go off
- ANY warning light staying on = MOT failure (engine, ABS, airbag, etc.)
- Get fault diagnosed and fixed before MOT
Book a Pre-MOT Check if Concerned
Some MOT checks require equipment or expertise. If your car is older or you're worried, book a pre-MOT inspection:
- • Brakes: Pad wear, brake line condition, brake balance
- • Suspension: Shock absorbers, springs, bushings
- • Emissions: Exhaust gas levels
- • Steering: Play in steering, track rod ends
- • Exhaust: Leaks, security, corrosion
Many garages offer pre-MOT checks for £20-40. Cheaper than a failed MOT and retest!
What Happens if Your Car Fails?
Don't panic! You have options:
Minor Issues (Advisories):
These don't cause failure but may need attention soon. You still get your MOT pass certificate.
Major Issues (Failure):
You get 10 working days to fix the issues and return for a partial retest (only tests failed items). Partial retest usually costs £25-30. After 10 days, you need a full retest at full price.
Dangerous Issues:
You legally cannot drive the car away from the test center unless the issue is fixed. Must be trailered or recovered.
Never Miss Your MOT
AutoChain sends automatic MOT reminders and tracks your MOT history. Keep all your car records in one place.