MOT

The MOT

Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road must keep it in a roadworthy condition. The MOT test checks that vehicles meet a minimum road safety and environmental standard. The first MOT test for the vehicle is required when it is three years old.

What is an MOT Test?

The MOT is an annual examination of the condition of cars and light commercial vehicles in mainland Britain. It is required on all vehicles over three years old with one or two very minor exceptions, small breakdown trucks being one example.

Pre-MOT Checks

It's the little details that can make the difference between a pass and a fail.

Tackle your car from the inside out. Ensure that there is no play in the driver's controls. Check the steering wheel and column, the handbrake and the footbrake.
Make sure that there aren't any large chips or cracks on the windscreen so your vision is clear.
Check the seatbelts. Look for damage on the buckles, and if you own a dog, ensure that it hasn't chewed through the belts themselves.
Once outside the car, you should give it a bounce to test the shock absorbers. Anything other than a firm response could spell trouble.
It's important that your wheels are aligned correctly and that your tyres are inflated to the right pressure. The tread shouldn't fall below 1.6mm and the tyre shape should be true.
Don't forget your lights. The casings should have no cracks or damage and they should all work without any problems (including your indicators, fog lights and any number plate lights).
An easy one to forget is your number plate. The spacing between each character should be adequate and the plate itself securely fastened.

MOT Checklist

Vehicle Identification Number: The MOT test checks that the Vehicle Identification Number commonly referred to as the VIN is legibly displayed on the vehicle.
Registration plate: The MOT tester will check the condition, security, legibility and the format of letters and numbers on your registration plate.
Lights: The MOT test checks the condition, operation, security and colour of your vehicles lights. The test will also check to see if the headlamp aim is correct.
Steering and suspension: The MOT tester will also check the Steering and Suspension components for correct condition and that the operation is correct.
Wipers and washer bottle: During the MOT test will check your vehicles Wipers and Washers ensuring they operate properly and give the driver a clear view of the road.
Windscreen: The MOT tester will check the Windscreen condition and driver's view of the road and that there are no chips or cracks affecting the driver line of sight.
Horn: The MOT test will cover the horn's operation for effectiveness and the type is correct.
Seatbelts: All seatbelts including those in the rear of the vehicle are checked for type, condition, correct operation and security and that all compulsory seatbelts are in place.
Seats: Your vehicle's front seats are checked for security during the MOT test.
Fuel system: The fuel system is checked during the MOT test for leaks and that the fuel cap fastens and seals securely.
Emissions: The MOT test covers your exhaust emissions, ensuring that the vehicle is within the specified guidelines and that the exhaust is complete, secure, without serious leaks and silences effectively.
Bodywork: Vehicle structure and body shell are checked during the MOT test for excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas of the vehicle. Any sharp edge can result in a MOT failure.
Mirrors: The mirrors on your vehicle are checked during the MOT test for condition and security.
Wheels and tyres: The MOT tester will check the vehicle's wheels and tyres for a number of key points: the condition, security, tyre size and type and tread depth.
Brakes: The MOT tests the efficiency of the vehicle's braking performance, condition and operation. Most vehicles are tested on a rolling road brake tester.
Doors: The MOT tester will check that the doors open and close correctly and that the latch is secure in a closed position. Front doors should open from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items like rear seatbelts.