What is checked in an MOT?
An MOT checks that a vehicle meets the minimum legal standards for road safety and the environment on the day of the test. It is a visual and functional inspection: the tester does not take the engine or gearbox apart. Here is everything that is checked on a car MOT, what is not checked, and how long it takes.
Everything checked on a car MOT
| Area | What the tester checks |
|---|---|
| Body and structure | No excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas, and no sharp edges likely to cause injury |
| Towbar | Security, condition and unapproved modifications, plus the 13-pin electrical socket where fitted |
| Fuel system | No leaks, pipes and hoses secure and undamaged, fuel cap fastens and seals |
| Exhaust emissions | Emissions within the limits for the vehicle's age and fuel type, including a smoke test for diesels |
| Exhaust system | Secure, complete, catalyst present where fitted, no serious leaks, not too noisy |
| Seat belts | All present, suitable, in good condition, working and securely mounted. Airbag, pretensioner and load limiter warning lights |
| Seats | Driver's seat adjusts, all seats secure, seat backs lock upright |
| Doors | Latches secure, front doors open from inside and outside, rear doors open from outside, hinges and catches |
| Mirrors | Minimum number fitted, in good condition and secure |
| Load security | Boot or tailgate closes properly |
| Brakes | Condition and performance (efficiency test), ABS and electronic stability control, and warning lights for ABS, ESC, electronic parking brake and brake fluid |
| Tyres and wheels | Condition, security, size and type, tread depth, and the tyre pressure monitoring warning light on cars first used from 1 January 2012 |
| Registration plates | Condition, security, colours, and correct characters and spacing |
| Lights | Condition and operation (including HID and LED), headlamp aim, cleaning and levelling where fitted, and the main beam warning light |
| Bonnet | Closes and latches securely |
| Wipers and washers | Work well enough to give a clear view of the road |
| Windscreen | Condition, and the driver's view of the road |
| Horn | Works and is suitable for the vehicle |
| Steering and suspension | Condition and operation, steering oil level, steering lock, corrosion on power steering pipes, and the electronic power steering warning light |
| Vehicle identification number (VIN) | A single VIN is displayed, for vehicles first used from 1 August 1980 |
| Electrical wiring and battery | Visible wiring and the battery are secure and safe |
Source: GOV.UK: car parts checked at an MOT.
What is not checked in an MOT
- The condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox
- The general mechanical condition of the car
- The spare wheel
- Service items such as oil, filters and timing belts
- Bodywork that is cosmetic rather than structural
A car can pass its MOT with a worn clutch or an engine that needs a service. That is why an MOT is not a substitute for regular servicing, or for an inspection when buying a used car.
Warning lights that cause a fail
Several dashboard warning lights are now part of the test. A lit warning light for any of these systems can lead to a fail:
- ABS and electronic stability control (ESC)
- Electronic parking brake and brake fluid
- Airbags and seat belt pretensioners
- Electronic power steering
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (cars first used from 1 January 2012)
- Main beam headlamp warning
Things you can check yourself before the test
Many fails are for simple faults you can spot in ten minutes:
- Walk round with the lights on: headlamps, sidelights, indicators, hazards, brake lights (ask someone to watch), reversing lights, fog lamps and the number plate lamp.
- Check tyre tread depth (at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters) and look for cuts and bulges.
- Top up the screen wash and check the wiper blades clear the screen without smearing.
- Make sure no warning lights stay on after the engine starts.
- Test the horn and every seat belt.
- Clean the number plates and check they are not cracked or faded.
- Remove clutter from the boot and dashboard so the tester can see and reach everything.
See our guide to the most common MOT failures for the official statistics.
How long does an MOT take?
The test itself usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour for a car. Many garages ask you to leave the car for longer so they can fit it around other work, and so they can quote for any repairs if it fails.
Can you watch your MOT?
Yes. Test centres have a viewing area where you can watch, but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester.
What you get after the test
- Pass: the result is recorded on the MOT database straight away, and you can ask for a printed certificate. You may also get a list of minor defects and advisories to monitor or fix.
- Fail: the result is recorded, and you get a refusal of an MOT test certificate listing the dangerous or major defects. See what to do if your car fails.
You can check any result online with our MOT history check.
MOT checks on motorcycles and vans
Motorcycle MOTs follow a similar list adapted to bikes, including the frame, forks, drive chain or belt, and both brake controls. Vans up to 3,000 kg take the same class 4 test as cars, and vans from 3,001 to 3,500 kg take class 7, which covers similar items with standards suited to heavier vehicles. See our motorbike and van MOT pages.
How results are graded
Every problem found is graded as dangerous, major or minor. Dangerous and major problems mean a fail. Minor problems are recorded on a pass. Testers can also give advisories for things that could become a problem. Our advisories guide explains each category, and our MOT codes guide decodes the numbers in brackets after each item.
Is the MOT the same as a safety inspection?
No. An MOT confirms the vehicle met the minimum standard on the day of the test. It does not guarantee the vehicle will stay roadworthy for the next 12 months, and it does not look inside the engine, clutch or gearbox. Regular servicing and your own checks of tyres, lights and fluids are what keep a vehicle safe between tests.