MOT Service

About the MOT
The MOT tests some important items on your vehicle to check that they meet the legal standards.
It isn’t the same as having your vehicle serviced and doesn’t check its general mechanical condition.
The test doesn’t cover the condition of the:
Engine
Clutch
Gearbox
You can read a quick guide about getting an MOT for more information about how the test works.

Body, vehicle structure and general items
These will be inspected to check that:
they’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas
there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury

Towbars
Towbars will be inspected for:
secureness
condition
inappropriate repairs or modification
The MOT tester will also check that:
the 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly
the speedometer is in good working order
the engine mountings are secure

Fuel system
The fuel system will be inspected to check that:
there are no leaks
the pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition
the fuel cap fastens and seals securely
You should make sure that the key is available as the fuel cap will need to be opened.

Exhaust emissions
The vehicle will be inspected, depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.
Diesel vehicles
The MOT tester will refuse to test your vehicle if they think that the smoke test may damage your engine.
You should tell them at the start of the MOT if you think this may happen.
To reduce the possibility of damage and increase the chances of passing, you should:
keep your vehicle maintained at all times
have the camshaft drive belt replaced at the recommended intervals
go for the MOT with a fully warmed up engine - it will produce less smoke and is safer to test
not tamper with the governor settings

Exhaust system
The exhaust system will be inspected to check that:
it’s secure and complete
a catalyst isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard
it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy

Seatbelts
The vehicle will be inspected to check that:
the mandatory seatbelts are in place
they are suitable for the vehicle
they are in a good condition
they work properly
they are attached securely
The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or dashboard warning lights will be checked for the:
air bags
seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a collision)
seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight)

Seats
These will be inspected to check that:
the driver’s seat can be adjusted
all seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position

Doors
These will be inspected to check that:
the latch is secure in the closed position
the front doors open from inside and outside the vehicle
the rear doors open from outside the vehicle
hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition

Mirrors
The vehicle will be inspected to check for the minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security. Indirect vision devices will also inspected.

Load security
The vehicle will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly.

Brakes
These will be inspected to check:
their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications
their operation and performance (the efficiency test) - the wheels and trims aren’t removed as part of the test
the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) (where fitted)
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the ABS, ESC, electronic park brake and brake fluid warning lights.

Tyres and wheels
These will be inspected to check for:
condition
security
tyre size and type
tread depth
Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected.
Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) MIL is working.

Registration plates
These will be inspected to check for:
condition
secure attachment
colour
characters correctly formed and spaced

Lights
These will be inspected to check:
their condition
operation, including high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED)
the headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security
headlamp aim
main beam warning light working

Bonnet
This will be inspected to check that it closes securely.

Wipers and washers
These will be inspected to check that they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road.

Windscreen
The windscreen will be inspected to check for:
condition
the driver’s view of the road

Horn
This will be inspected to check:
that it works properly
it’s suitable for the vehicle

Steering and suspension
These will be inspected to check:
their condition
steering oil level
they work correctly
for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses
that the steering lock mechanism works properly
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock.

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to check that a single VIN is displayed, except on multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion, BMW, Alpina etc).The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to check that a single VIN is displayed, except on multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion, BMW, Alpina etc).

Electrical
Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked.

More information
The MOT inspection manual tells you everything that’s tested how the MOT tester will check it and the reasons things can be failed.