Most first-time MOT failures are caused by issues that are cheap and easy to fix. By spending a few minutes checking your car before the test, you can avoid the hassle and cost of a retest.
Lights (5 minutes)
Faulty lights are the number one cause of MOT failure, yet a replacement bulb costs just a few pounds. Check every external light on your car:
- Dipped and full beam headlights
- Front and rear sidelights
- Front and rear indicators (including side repeaters)
- Brake lights (ask someone to help)
- Rear fog light(s)
- Reverse light
- Number plate light
Tyres (3 minutes)
Check all four tyres for:
- Tread depth — Minimum 1.6mm. Use the 20p test: if you can see the outer band, the tread is too low.
- Damage — Look for cuts, bulges, cracks or objects embedded in the tyre.
- Pressure — Tyres should be inflated to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door).
Windscreen and Wipers (2 minutes)
- Check for chips or cracks — anything over 10mm in the driver's wiper-swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail.
- Test wiper blades for streaking or juddering. Replace if worn.
- Top up screen wash — an empty washer bottle is an instant fail.
Brakes (2 minutes)
Take a short drive and brake firmly. The car should stop straight without pulling to either side. Listen for grinding or squealing noises, which indicate worn pads.
Under the Bonnet (2 minutes)
- Check oil level is between min and max.
- Check coolant level.
- Ensure the engine warning light isn't on — this is a fail.
Quick Final Checks (1 minute)
- Horn — Press it. Does it work?
- Seatbelts — All belts should retract and lock when tugged sharply.
- Mirrors — Check for cracks and that they adjust properly.
- Number plates — Clean and legible.
- Doors — All doors should open from inside and outside, and close securely.
Check Your MOT History First
Before you start, check your car's MOT history to see what advisories were raised at your last test. These are the areas most likely to cause a failure this time around, so focus your attention there first.