MOT checklist and comprehensive guide

MOT checklist and comprehensive guide
Most vehicles that are more than three years old are legally required to take an MOT (Ministry of Transport) test every year to check it's roadworthiness (four years in Northern Ireland).

This comprehensive car maintenance guide covers everything you need to know about car MOT testing, including what gets checked in the test, how to pass and what to do if your vehicle fails.

There's also a complete MOT checklist to help you prepare for the test and give your car the best chance of passing the MOT at the first attempt. 

How to prepare your car for MOT testing


Here's what you need to consider as a driver in the build up to your car's annual MOT.

When does a car need an MOT?

When your car is three years old from the date of its registration it will need its first MOT test - and then it needs to be retested every year on the anniversary of its last MOT test.

Once passed, you'll get an MOT test certificate with test date on it, and the date of expiry so you know when your next one is due. You can get the vehicle retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.

New cars will need an MOT after its first three years. However, this date and information will be provided to you when you purchase your new vehicle.

When is my MOT due?

Your MOT due date will be on your previous MOT certificate. If you’ve lost your MOT certificate you can use the GOV.uk tool to enter your registration number and vehicle make.

This will check both your MOT status and tax status in a matter of seconds. You'll also be able to have a fresh MOT certificate sent to you for free to replace the lost one.

The myRAC app on the Apple App Store and Google Play lets you add reminders to each of your vehicles for important dates like MOT, servicing and more.

Do you get a 14-day MOT grace period?

There is no MOT grace period. As soon as your MOT has expired it becomes illegal to drive your car on the road. Doing so risks prosecution. You also cannot tax a vehicle without a current MOT certificate.

Can I drive without an MOT?

No. You can’t drive a vehicle without it having a valid MOT certificate. The only exception is that you're able to drive your vehicle to its MOT test, as long as the test has been booked.

If you own a vehicle and are not planning on driving it you must keep it off the road and will have to declare it SORN.

Find out the risks of driving without an MOT in our full guide.

Can I drive my car without mot if it is booked in?

For owners who have a vehicle that doesn't currently have a valid MOT, you can only drive it to and from a pre-booked MOT appointment. 

Make sure that you have proof of this on you when you are driving to your local garage.

Complete MOT checklist


Pre-MOT checks

There are some quick things you can do as a driver to give your vehicle the best chace of passing its MOT. If anything does ned a quick fix before your test, running through a checklist can help you keep your renewal date intact.

  1. Keep your car clean, inside and out. A boot full of clutter and an excessively dirty car could lead to an examiner refusing to carry out the MOT.
  2. Give number plates a clean as they need to be readable to pass the MOT.
  3. Check the windscreen wipers are in good condition, with no tears.
  4. Check all lights are in working order. Ask a friend or family member to stand outside the car and confirm lights function properly.
  5. Check tyre tread using the 20p test, and tyre pressure too
  6. Top up all fluid levels - screenwash, brake fluid and oil.
  7. Check that the horn works - give it a quick honk!
  8. All of your mirrors should be intact and secure to ensure you can use them safely.
  9. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in your car’s V5C logbook should match that marked on your car’s bodywork.

If you do need a quick repair, consider bringing an expert to you. Mobile mechanics can carry out a wide range of repairs on your driveway or work car park.

Service, repair or MOT?

You can trust the RAC with our local approved garages and NEW mobile mechanics.

Service, repair or MOT?
Service, repair or MOT?

What is checked on an MOT?

Brakes

Along with your tyres, your brakes are the most safety-critical components of all, and they must work properly to pass the MOT.

Testers usually put the car on rollers to check the brakes decelerate it effectively, and that they’re correctly balanced – i.e. that it stops in a straight line. The pedal rubber must not be worn to excess and the ABS warning light must work if anti-lock brakes are fitted. The handbrake/parking brake must work and hold the car firmly, even on a steep incline.

Brake condition is also assessed by examining the discs, pads and calipers, plus the relevant pipes and cables. Under the bonnet, the brake servo and master cylinder will be examined, too.

Bodywork

Sharp edges on the bodywork caused by corrosion or accident damage are not permitted, as they could injure pedestrians.

Rust is an MOT issue more generally, particularly for older cars. Excessive corrosion on safety-related parts, such as the steering and brakes, is a no-no, while rust within 30cm of these components may also result in a fail.

Doors and openings

Testers will check that the doors can be opened from inside and outside the car, and that all openings – including the bonnet and tailgate – can be shut securely.

Exhaust and emissions

For fuel powered vehicles, emissions are tested using specialist equipment connected to your car’s exhaust. The legal limit varies depending on the age of the vehicle, with much stricter standards for newer cars.

Visible smoke from the tailpipe may mean an MOT fail – as can excessive noise so boy racers should beware.

The tester will also check both the exhaust system and fuel filler cap are fixed securely to prevent possible leaks.

Horn

A simple one: the horn must work, and be loud enough to be audible to other vehicles. Also, ‘novelty’ car horns that play multiple notes or tunes are not allowed.

Lights

All lamps must be working correctly, including headlights, tail lights, indicators (inc. hazard lights), side lights, brake lights and rear fog lights. The latter are only required on cars built post-1986, and must activate a tell-tale symbol on the dashboard to alert the driver when they’re switched on.

The alignment of the headlights is also checked – and adjusted if necessary – to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. All cars built after 1 April 1980 must have two red rear reflectors.

Seats and seatbelts

Seats should be securely fixed, with seatbelts a legal requirement for all post-1965 cars (and strongly advisable on those built earlier). Belts need to be securely fixed – including the clip/locking mechanism – and in good condition.

Inertia-reel belts should also retract properly to fit around the driver.

Steering

Steering faults are not easy to check or fix yourself. The tester will ensure the steering wheel and column are in good condition and fixed properly, and that there isn’t excessive ‘free play’ in the system.

The steering bearings are inspected for wear, while all bolts, clamps, gaiters and universal joints should also be checked. The operation of power steering (fitted to virtually all modern cars) is tested with the engine running. The wheels must not foul the bodywork on full lock.

Tow bar

If your car has a tow bar fitted (for pulling a trailer or caravan, for example), it must be secure and not damaged or corroded.

Vehicle identification

Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – also known as the chassis number and found on the V5 registration document – must also be displayed and legible. It’s often found at the base of the windscreen, or on a stamped metal panel under the bonnet.

Wheels and tyres

It goes without saying that all four wheels need to be securely attached to the car, with no bolts missing. Rims will also be examined for damage, including distortion or cracks, and the condition of the wheel bearings is assessed.

With regard to tyres, the law states that tread-depth must be: “At least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread around the entire outer circumference of the tyre”. If your tyres are close to this limit, you may be given an advisory warning that new rubber is required soon.

Testers will also check the tyres for cuts or bulges, and ensure that the same-size tyres are fitted on each axle. The spare wheel is not part of the MOT test, but it must be mounted securely if outside the car.

Windows and mirrors

Windscreen damage is a common cause of MOT failure. Chips or cracks must measure less than 10mm across if within the area swept by the windscreen wipers. Outside this area, up to 40mm is allowed.

The wipers must operate correctly and the rubber blades must be in good condition. Likewise, rear-view mirrors must be secure and not damaged to an extent that could impair the driver’s vision.

The MOT itself

mot mechanic working with a spanner

MOTs are pretty straightforward, however, here are a few things to look out for regarding cost and where to get one. 

Where should I get my MOT done?

There are the obvious places to look online and in directories, however, the best place to go is a place you trust, a reputable garage that has been recommended to you - you can find many using our RAC-approved garage network. We offer all sorts of servicing, maintenance and repair products too.

MOT due?

Find a trusted local garage with the RAC stamp of approval.

MOT due?
MOT due?

How much does an MOT cost?

The maximum MOT fee for a car with up to eight passenger seats is £54.85. For a motorcycle it's £29.65. Generally, the larger the vehicle the higher the maximum fee.

The amount you pay for an MOT test fluctuates depending on the type of vehicle - but there is a maximum charge. Those fees are listed in full on the GOV.UK website.

How long does an MOT take and what is covered?

The test takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and some owners choose to wait while the vehicle is being inspected.

If repairs are required following the test the process will take longer. During the test, the following areas are inspected:

  • Electrical equipment - including headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights.
  • Steering - including the strength and condition of the steering wheel.
  • Tyres - including tread depth and condition of the tyres.
  • Suspension - including shock absorbers and any corrosion and wear.
  • Brakes - including overall condition of pedals and brake efficiency.
  • Seat belts and seats
  • Exhaust and emissions - including checking for any leaks in the exhaust and fuel system
  • Mirrors, wipers and windscreen - including any damage to the windscreen and condition of the wiper blades
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VPN) - ensuring the vehicle displays its VPN is important

MOT exemptions

Cars that are 40 years old or more are exempt, unless the vehicle has had substantial changes.

MOT fails and defects


The initial fail rate for cars, vans and passenger vehicles with up to 12 seats in is around 37%, so there's a fair chance you will find yourself in a situation where your car fails its MOT.

MOT failure list

The three most common reasons for MOT failures are faults with lights, suspension and brakes. We've got a full article all about the most common MOT fails and how to avoid them too. Below is a list of the categories used on many checks and the associated percentage of failures attributed to them.

MOT defect category% of defects
Lights & Signals29.6%
Suspension20.2%
Brakes17.2%
Tyres10.4%
Driver’s View8.7%
Fuel & exhaust5.4%
Steering3%
Seat belts2.2%
Body1.9%
Reg & VIN0.9%
Wheels0.5%

What if your car fails its MOT?

Since May 2018, MOTs have categorised defects as either dangerous, major, or minor. If your car or vehicle has a dangerous or major fault it will fail its MOT. You’ll be given a 'refusal' of an MOT certificate, called a VT30 form.

If your vehicle has a dangerous fault it cannot be driven until that fault has been repaired, whereas major faults should be repaired as soon as possible. You are able to pass an MOT with minor faults although these, too, will need repairing.

Can you drive your car if it has failed the MOT?

Technically yes - but only if your existing MOT certificate is still in date and valid. This situation can only occur if you've had the car tested in the month leading up to the expiry date and no Dangerous problems were listed in the MOT test result. 

However, you will still need to get the faults corrected by the MOT's date of expiry or you won't get a new MOT certificate. If the car is not considered roadworthy and you are driving it, you could be stopped and prosecuted.

Driving a car that has failed its MOT is never recommended. Read up on the risks of driving without an MOT in our guide.

Getting repairs after a failed MOT

If your car fails its MOT, the garage or test centre will inform you of any repairs needed.

You then have a range of options according to the MOT failure rules.

You can leave the vehicle with the garage and ask them to carry out the repairs. Depending on the number of faults and severity of the issues, the car may be repaired and then re-tested later in the same day. The vehicle can have a partial retest, covering the faults that have been rectified.

The repairs may be more serious and take longer - but if they're carried out within 10 days of the original test, a partial MOT retest is still fine.

You can take the vehicle away for repairs elsewhere and bring it back to the original garage or test centre for a partial retest. This retest is free for a range of items, including wheels, tyres, wipers, mirrors and doors.

If the vehicle is retested 10 days after the original test, you'll be charged the full fee. You will also be charged the full fee if the partial retest fails - once further repairs are carried out.

You could also get an MOT retest at a different garage but you are likely to have to pay for that second test in full as they will be testing it for the first time.

Book car repair near you with a mobile mechanic or traditional garage today.

After the MOT


If you're lucky you'll pass without any advisories, but if not then there are still things to consider after your car has been given its clean bill of health.

What does an MOT advisory note mean?

Sometimes, your car may pass its MOT but with so-called “minor faults”. These indicate issues with the vehicle that haven't been deemed serious enough for it to fail, but will need addressing in the near future.

Think of them as warnings. Although your car has been passed fit to drive, minor faults shouldn't be ignored. Typical issues might be tyres that are getting close to having the minimum tread depth and will need replacing soon, or brake pads showing signs of being worn.

If minor faults are ignored, there's a good chance your car may fail an upcoming MOT test. It may also have an effect on resale value as any buyer will be aware of the need to make repairs.

READ NEXT: The RAC's top tips on how to save fuel

 

If your MOT is due or if you would like to book your vehicle in for a full car service, you can book online with your local RAC Approved Garage today.

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MOT frequently asked questions

  • What is checked in an MOT in 2024?

    An MOT test takes around 45 minutes, during which time the tester will check the roadworthiness of your car, assessing all its electrical equipment, steering, tyres (including tread depth, pressure and condition), and suspension.

    The test will also look at the brakes (including pedals and efficiency), seat belts and seats, exhaust and emissions, wipers and windscreen, rear-view and wing mirrors, and your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

  • What items are checked on an MOT?

    All its electrical equipment, steering, tyres (including tread depth, pressure and condition), and suspension. It will also assess the brakes (including pedals and efficiency), seat belts and seats, exhaust and emissions, wipers and windscreen, rear-view and wing mirrors, and your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

  • What documents do I need for an MOT in 2024?

    If you’re taking your car to its first ever MOT, or its first MOT since a change of registration plates, you’ll need to take along your car’s V5C logbook. For all other MOTs, you don’t need to take your logbook.

  • Can you fail an MOT on tyre pressure?

    Since 2015, if your car displays a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light on the dashboard it will automatically fail its MOT test, so keep an eye on your tyre pressure and check it regularly.

    Having an underinflated or overinflated tyre can also cause strain on your tyres, heightening your chances of them becoming damaged and therefore also causing your car to fail its MOT.

  • What is a dangerous MOT fail?

    Since May 2018, MOTs have categorised defects as either dangerous, major or minor. If your vehicle has a dangerous fault, such as having no functioning brake lights, it will be classed as a dangerous fail and can’t be driven until that fault has been repaired.

  • What is a dangerous MOT fault?

    If your vehicle has a fault categorised as dangerous it cannot be driven until that fault has been repaired. Dangerous faults include having no functioning brake lights, or a steering wheel so loose that it’s likely to become detached.

  • Do I need to take my old MOT certificate?

    You aren’t required to take along your old MOT certificate to the garage when getting your car tested, although you may wish do you so for peace of mind.

  • How do I get an MOT certificate?

    If your vehicle passes its MOT, you will be issued with an MOT certificate stating that it’s passed and the date of the test. The certificate will list out any defects detected in the three categories: dangerous, major and minor.

    If you’ve lost your MOT certificate you can get a replacement certificate for free on gov.uk. You’ll need to enter your vehicle registration number and the 11-digit number from your vehicle log book (V5C) and a replacement will be sent to you.

  • Can ANPR detect no mot?

    Along with road tax and insurance details, MOT test status of all vehicles is now kept on central databases, and these details are automatically passed onto the police’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition databases.

    This means police officers will be able to pull you over if their ANPR technology registers that you’re driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate and you can even be caught by certain static roadside cameras, too.

  • What are the new MOT defect categorisations?

    Since May 2018, MOTs have categorised defects as either dangerous, major, or minor, which are then recorded on the MOT certificate. If your vehicle has either dangerous or major faults it will fail the MOT.

    If your vehicle has a dangerous fault it cannot be driven until that fault has been repaired. Major faults should also be repaired immediately, and while your car can still pass with minor faults these should be repaired in due course.

  • Are you notified when your MOT is due?

    Depending on your situation and the garage you normally get your car’s MOT test carried out, you may receive a reminder telling you that your MOT is up for renewal.

    The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) also has its own reminder service which can send you a text and email when your MOT is due or if your MOT expires – sign up here.

  • Can I tax my car without MOT certificate?

    If you’ve misplaced your MOT certificate you’ll still be able to buy car tax as your vehicle’s current MOT status is recorded on the government database.

    However, if you don’t have a valid MOT certificate (and your car requires one) you won’t be able to tax your car. You’ll be able to legally drive without tax but only if you’re driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment with a letter to prove it.

  • What happens if you miss your MOT?

    If you fail to get your car tested by the expiration date of its MOT, you won’t be able to legally drive your vehicle on the road which would see you run the risk of a £1,000 fine.

    Driving without a valid MOT will also invalidate your insurance policy, which could also could see you fined and liable for hefty repair costs should you be involved in an accident or have your vehicle damaged in any way.

  • Can the police tell if your MOT has expired?

    Along with road tax and insurance details, the MOT test status of all vehicles is now kept on central databases, and these details are automatically passed onto the police’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems.

    This means police officers will be able to pull you over if their ANPR technology registers that you’re driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate and you can even be caught by certain static roadside cameras, too.

  • Is my insurance valid without MOT?

    No, it’s not. Driving without an MOT will immediately invalidate your insurance policy regardless of how long you have left on your premium. This could see you liable for hefty repair bills (or worse) if you’re involved in a collision on the roads.

    Find out more about car insurance from the RAC here.

  • My car has been recalled. Will it fail its MOT?

    There are an estimated 2.3 million vehicles in the UK currently subject to outstanding recall notices, but while it’s illegal to sell on a car with a recall notice, there’s no legal requirement for owners to fix their own recalled cars.

    To address this, authorities are considering plans to better integrate the MOT and vehicle recall systems, which could lead to vehicles failing the test if a recall fault hasn’t been fixed in the 12 months after its previous test.

    There has been no word from authorities as to if and when this scheme will be introduced, but if you’re concerned your vehicle is subject to a recall, you can check the gov.uk recall database to find out.

  • What changes happened to MOTs in 2023?

    Last year, a major change to the MOT process, where drivers will now be warned of outstanding safety recalls on their make and model of vehicle as part of the annual MOT test.

Everything you need to know about MOTs - FAQ

  • What are major fails on MOT?

    According to the Government, your vehicle will fail if the test result lists ‘major’ problem with your vehicle. You might not be allowed to drive until you fix the problems. RAC data shows that the three most common reasons for MOT failures are faults with lights, suspension and brakes.

  • What is checked on an MOT 2024?

    During an MOT test, the mechanic will check the roadworthiness of your car, assessing all its electrical equipment, steering, tyres (including tread depth, pressure and condition), brakes, seat belts, seats, exhausts/emissions, mirrors, wipers, windows, and suspension.

    • What is the most common MOT failure?

      RAC data shows that the three most common reasons for MOT failures are faults with lights, suspension and brakes. However, there are a wide range of reasons why a vehicle could possibly fail an MOT.

    • Can I drive my car away if it fails an MOT?

      ​Should your vehicle fail its MOT, you can still drive your vehicle away if your current MOT certificate is still valid and there are no ‘dangerous’ problems that were listed in the MOT. Speak to your mechanic to find out your next steps.

    • How long does MOT and full service take?

      According to RAC research, the average time for a mechanic to carry out a full MOT is 45 minutes to an hour. However, this can vary depending on the vehicle, how old it is, and how experienced the specialist is.