Worried your car might fail its MoT test? You’re not alone. Around one in three vehicles fails the test at the first attempt – often for reasons that are quick and easy to avoid. By following our MoT checklist before the day, you can save yourself time, stress and money.
This MoT checklist walks you through what to do before the test, what to check, and how to give your car the best possible chance of passing. If you’ve been asking how to pass an MoT, start here.
What is an MoT test?
Once your car reaches its third birthday, you’ll need to take it for an MoT test – and then once a year thereafter. It’s a legal requirement to make sure your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. Without a valid MoT certificate, you can’t drive your car – unless you’re heading to a pre-booked test.
An MoT isn’t the same as a service – it doesn’t include oil changes or filter replacements – but it’s a good idea to combine them if the dates line up. You can find out much more about the MoT test in our separate explainer.
What to check before your MoT test
Spending 15–20 minutes checking over your car before its test could be the difference between a simple pass and a failed certificate followed by the hassle (and cost) of a retest. While an MoT isn’t designed to catch you out, testers are required to follow strict rules – and many of the most common failure points are things you can check and fix at home.
Here’s what to look at before your appointment, and why it’s important to use the right replacement parts if anything needs fixing.
Lights and indicators
Lighting is extremely important. Faults in this area are one of the most common reasons cars fail their MoT test – and thankfully, one of the easiest to sort out. Check that all exterior lights are working properly: that includes dipped and full beam headlights, sidelights, front and rear indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reverse lights. Don’t forget the numberplate lights – those tiny bulbs are surprisingly easy to miss but can lead to a fail.
If any bulbs aren’t working, replace them straight away. But be careful – modern car bulbs can vary by make and model, and the wrong one might not fit or could dazzle other drivers. We recommend using something like eBay Assured Fit to get the correct spec and buy replacement bulbs online – it matches parts to your exact car, giving you confidence that what you’re ordering will fit and function as it should.
Tyres
Your tyres are critical for road safety – and your MoT test – so check them closely. Each one must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and around the full circumference. An easy way to check? Use a 20p coin – if you can see the outer band of the coin when inserted into the tread, it’s time for a replacement.
You should also inspect the sidewalls for cuts, bulges or cracking, all of which can cause an instant MoT fail. And if your tyres look mismatched or excessively worn on one edge, that could be a sign of poor alignment – another potential red flag during the test. Choosing the best tyres and type is vital.
Windscreen wipers and screenwash
It might seem minor, but your car can fail its MoT test if the wipers don’t clear the windscreen effectively – or if the washer jets don’t spray properly. Check for smearing, skipping or sections of the screen the blades fail to clear. If the rubber is split or hardened, it’s time to swap them out.
Before the test, make sure your screenwash is topped up and working. It’s an easy tick for the examiner – and surprisingly, this simple oversight is still one of the most common MoT failures. Choose replacement wiper blades using something like eBay’s My Garage function to identify the precise item for your vehicle using your car’s registration number.
Windscreen and mirrors
Visibility is a big part of MoT safety checks. Check your windscreen for chips or cracks, especially in the area directly in front of the driver. If the damage is larger than 10mm within the swept area of the wipers, it could cause a fail. Chips further over on the passenger side must be under 40mm.
Both door mirrors and your interior mirror need to be secure and undamaged. Give them a wipe while you’re at it – testers will appreciate the effort, and it ensures a clear view for everyone involved.
Interior: Horn, seatbelts and dashboard lights
Hop in the driver’s seat and check everything works as it should. Press the horn – it must sound loud and clearly. Test all the seatbelts by pulling them out fully, giving them a tug to make sure they lock, and letting them retract. If one is slow or doesn’t retract at all, that’s a fail.
When you start the car, look at the dashboard. Warning lights like the airbag or ABS should come on briefly, then go out. If any stay lit, it might indicate a fault that could cause an MoT failure – and it’s best to get that investigated before you test.
Fluids and under-bonnet basics
Low fluid levels don’t just increase wear and tear – they can cause dashboard warnings, which could trigger a fail. Before the test, check:
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid (if fitted)
Top up if needed, but always use the type recommended in your handbook. If you’re unsure, sellers offering vehicle-specific compatibility can give you peace of mind when buying oil or brake fluid online.
Rust and leaks
If you can, look underneath the car or at least check the ground after it’s been parked. Fresh puddles of oil, coolant or brake fluid can all signal trouble – and leaks are a common reason for MoT failure. You should also inspect the bodywork for signs of rust, particularly around the wheelarches, suspension mounts, sills and underbody.
Some surface rust is expected on older vehicles, but structural corrosion – especially if it’s near suspension or brake components – is more serious.
Final tips for your MoT test
- Clean your car – especially the windscreen, lights and mirrors.
- Be on time – late arrivals may need to rebook.
- Fix obvious issues first – strange noises, bad brakes or dash warnings should be sorted before booking.
FAQs: Everything else you need to know about the MoT test
How much is an MoT test?
The maximum fee for a standard MoT test is currently £54.85 for cars and £29.65 for motorbikes. However, many garages offer discounts, especially when the MoT is booked with a service, so it’s worth shopping around to get the best deal.
If you do fail, a retest may be free if the repairs are completed at the same garage – but only if the retest happens within 10 working days. Beyond that, you’ll likely need to pay the full fee again.
How long does an MoT test take?
A typical MoT test takes between 45 minutes and one hour to complete. However, if your car needs repairs or the garage is busy, it could take longer – some garages may ask you to leave the car with them for most of the day.
You won’t be allowed to wait in the testing bay, but many garages have waiting rooms or let you drop the car off and return once it’s ready. Be sure to ask when booking to avoid surprises.
What do they check on an MoT test?
An MoT test is a thorough safety and emissions check. It includes the car’s lights, brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, windscreen, seatbelts, exhaust and bodywork. The tester will also check for warning lights on the dashboard, visible leaks, and excessive rust.
If your car has any modifications, like aftermarket lights or exhaust systems, they must still meet legal requirements. The tester won’t remove any parts but will fail anything that clearly doesn’t comply.
How early can you get an MoT test?
You can have your MoT test done up to one month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires. If the car passes, you keep the same renewal date for the following year – giving you effectively a 13-month MOT.
Booking early gives you time to deal with any unexpected problems and avoid the risk of driving without a valid MoT. Many drivers choose to do this to stay ahead of potential issues.
What to bring to an MoT test?
Most garages can now access your MoT and vehicle history online using the car’s registration number, so in most cases, you won’t need to bring any paperwork. However, it’s helpful to bring your V5C (logbook) just in case, especially if there’s been a recent change in ownership.
You should also take your locking wheel nut key if you have one, as it may be needed to check the brakes. If you’re having a service at the same time, bring any service history so the garage can log updates correctly.
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