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MOT Test what is checked?:

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The whole point of the MOT test is to protect you, your family and other motorists by ensuring your car is safe to drive by annually checking all cars over three years old:

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Body Structure will be inspected to check that they’re free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas and there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.

 

Towbars will be inspected for secureness, condition and inappropriate repairs or modifications.

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General Testing includes checking that the 13 pin electrical socket is working correctly, the speedometer is in good working order and the engine mountings are secure 

 

Fuel System will be inspected to check that there are no leaks, the pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition and 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.

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Exhaust Emissions will be inspected depending on the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions. For 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. Never tamper with the governor settings. 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 and it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy

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Seatbelts 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. Also note 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) and seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight).

 

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

 

Doors 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 and hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition.

 

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

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Load Security will be inspected to check that the boot or tailgate can be closed properly. 

 

Brakes will be inspected to check for their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications and 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) will be checked and 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 will be inspected to check for condition, security, tyre size and type and 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 will be inspected to check for condition, secure attachment, colour, characters correctly formed and spaced.

 

Lights 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 and the main beam warning light is working. 

 

Bonnet will be inspected to check that it closes securely. 

 

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

 

Windscreen will be inspected to check for condition and the driver’s view of the road.

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

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Steering and Suspension 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 and 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) 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.

 

Electrical visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked.