Lights
Did you know…30% of MOT faults are due to lighting and signalling
To pass your MOT test, front, rear, brake, fog, indicator and registration plate lights and rear reflectors must:
- Be correctly positioned and secure
- Not be obscured
- Be in good condition
- Show the correct colour
- Not be adversely affected by the operation of any other light
- Illuminate with a single operation of the switch
Pairs of lights must emit light of the same colour, size and shape.
Headlight aim (both dip beam and main beam) should be below the horizontal, so as not shine into oncoming drivers.
Horn
The horn must emit a continuous uniform note and must be loud enough to be heard by another road user.
Battery
The battery must be secure and not show any signs of leaking.
Electrical wiring
Wiring should be secure and must not be damaged where it is likely to short circuit or become detached.
Vehicles with a tow-bar
Any electrical socket will be tested for its condition and to ensure that it correctly operates the lights.
Steering
The strength and condition of the steering wheel will be checked by pushing the steering in different directions and inspecting for wear or damage
If your steering has a locking device, it’ll be tested to ensure it only locks when the engine is not running.
Vehicles with power steering must have at least the minimum level of power steering fluid in the reservoir.
Suspension
Suspension components and shock absorbers will be checked for excessive corrosion, distortion and fractures.
Brakes
Did you know…9.6% of MOT fails are due to brake failure
The general conditions of the brakes, pedals and levers will be checked, as well as warning lights.
A brake performance test will be carried out to test brake efficiency.
Tyres
Did you know…10% of MOT failures are due to tyres
The tyre must be of an appropriate speed and load rating for the vehicle.
Tread depth must not be below the legal limit of 1.6mm, and tyres will be examined for cuts in excess of 25mm, lumps, bulges, tears, exposure of the cord and tread separation.
For vehicles with run-flat tyres, the warning light must operate correctly.
Road wheels must be in good general condition.
Seat belts
Each seat belt (including the attachment and adjustment fittings) will be checked for its security and condition.
Body
A general inspection of the body, chassis, engine mountings, seats and doors will be made as part of your MOT checks. All components must be free from excessive corrosion and must not have any sharp edges that might cause injury.
Registration plates
A registration plate must be fitted at the front and rear. The plates must be secure and clearly legible to someone standing 20 metres away from the car.
The characters on the plate must be correctly formed and spaced and not likely to be misread.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Every vehicle must permanently display a legible VIN, either on a VIN plate secured to the vehicle, or stamped or etched on the body or chassis.
Speedometer
A speedometer must be fitted, and the it will be checked that it illuminates. As long as the speed can be read, it doesn’t matter if the glass is cracked.
Exhaust system
The exhaust system will be inspected to ensure it is secure and doesn’t leak. If your vehicle was originally fitted with a catalytic converter, it must still be present.
Fuel system
The fuel system will be checked for leaks and the tank cap must seal properly.
Emissions
A gas analyser probe will be used while the engine is running to test the smoke emitted from the exhaust. Emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons must fall within the legal limit.
The tester will make a visual check for excessive dense blue or black smoke emitted from the exhaust, which is a cause for MOT failure.
Mirrors and wipers
Rear view mirrors and wing mirrors must be secure and provide adequate views to the rear and side.
Wipers and washers must sweep a wide enough area to give the driver an adequate view of the road
Windscreen
In the area of the windscreen directly in front of the driver, there must not be any damage or obstruction to the view larger than 10mm. Outside this area (but within the swept area), there must not be any damage or other obstruction larger than 40mm.