If your vehicle is more than three years old, it is legally required to undergo an annual MOT. The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test has been designed to check that your vehicle is roadworthy. And driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and even points on your licence and a driving ban.
We look at exactly what is checked when your vehicle undergoes its annual MOT and how you can prepare for the test.
When does your car need to have an MOT?
Any vehicle over the age of three is required by law to undergo an annual roadworthy assessment, otherwise known as an MOT. Without a valid MOT certificate, your vehicle cannot be driven on the road.
While there are a few exceptions – cars older than 40 years and some electric tractors and good vehicles are exempt – it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their vehicle is annually tested. All valid MOT certificates are logged on the Department of Transport’s database.
If you are looking to buy a second-hand car and want extra peace of mind by knowing its MOT as well as its full owner, tax, repair and sales history, you can use a fast and efficient MOT history checker such as MOT Reg Check. All you need is the vehicle’s registration number to obtain a free MOT check, which includes its expiry date.
Preparing for an MOT test
Once you know your vehicle’s MOT renewal date, you can start preparing for a successful MOT test.
An MOT is intended to check that a vehicle has at least the legal minimum level of roadworthiness. However, an MOT does not check everything on your car, with its engine, clutch and gearbox exempt from the test. But there is still an expectation that the vehicle can be safely driven and so it is essential that your vehicle as a whole is in good working order.
As a vehicle can fail on a relatively minor issue – such as a broken light – as well as what are classified as major or dangerous, a few pre-MOT checks on your car can make the difference.
Here are some key pre-checks to make when preparing your vehicle for its next MOT test:
- Keep it clean – this means decluttering the boot and ensuring all windows are clean and can be easily seen through. Your number plate also needs to be dirt and debris free and can be read clearly.
- Inspect your windscreen wipers – they need to be in good condition and able to efficiently clean your windscreen, so look for splits, tears, and other signs of deterioration. Replace if necessary.
- Check your lights – a key aspect of driving safety, all your lights need to be in good working order. Check bulbs and replace if need be. Finally ask someone to stand outside the vehicle while you systematically turn your lights on and off so you can be sure they are all working as they should.
- Test your tyres – all four tyres plus any spare need to have treads within the legal limits and inflated to the correct pressure.
- Final tests – check your engine to make sure the oil, brake fluid and screen-wash are all topped up; ensure all your mirrors are secure and the glass not cracked; test the horn to make sure it works!
What is included in an MOT test
An MOT is designed to check that your vehicle meets the minimum legal requirements to be safely on the road. During an MOT, a certified tester will examine all of the following parts of a vehicle:
Body structure
The exterior of the vehicle must be in good shape, with no sharp edges or damage which could injure others. Excessive corrosion and rust can also be an MOT issue, especially on or near to safety-related parts. All doors on the vehicle must be able to be opened from both the out and insides and all openings, including the bonnet must shut securely.
Brakes
As essential safety components, the brakes must work effectively. They must be correctly balanced so the car can stop in a straight line, with no worn pads, discs, or callipers. The handbrake and ABS warning light must also be in correct working order.
Exhaust, fuel, and emissions
The vehicle’s emissions will be tested, with the legal limit depending on its age. The exhaust system and fuel filler cap will also be tested for any signs of leaks.
Lights and horn
From headlights, tail lights, fog lights and indicators, all lights on the vehicle must be working and correctly aligned. The vehicle’s horn must also work and be loud enough for other vehicles to hear.
Seats and seatbelts
The seats of the vehicle will also be checked for a secure fixing and the seatbelts in all post-1965 cars tested for security, retraction and working mechanisms.
Steering
Both the steering wheel and steering column will be checked to ensure they are fixed properly and in good working condition. The power steering will also be tested with the engine running.
Tyres and wheels
All four wheels and the wheel bearings will be checked for secure fixing and examined for damage, including any bulges or distortion. The depth of the tyre treads is also key – with the minimum depth of 1.6mm the benchmark.
View of the road
The driver’s view of the road while driving will also be assessed. And this means any damage to the windscreen. Any chips or cracks must be within a certain maximum measurement. The rear-view mirror and side mirrors also need to be secure and with minimal damage, to prevent impairing the driver’s view.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Known as the chassis number, which is also logged on the vehicle’s V5 document, the VIN number must be suitably displayed and legible. The VIN is usually on a stamped metal panel under the bonnet and must match the number in the V5.
What happens next?
Following the MOT, the tester will either issue a valid MOT certificate or fail the vehicle. In the case of a pass, the tester can also raise advisory notes on issues they have identified which, while not serious enough to fail the vehicle, will need further attention.
It is important to remember that the MOT certificate only confirms at the time of the test that the vehicle has met the minimum safety standards as required by law. It is now on the driver to ensure the vehicle continues to be well maintained and serviced between MOT tests.
