An MOT is a legally required test which ensures that the vehicle is road worthy. During the MOT test, the vehicle is checked to make sure it meets safety and environmental standards. It includes an assessment of the following components:
- Tyres and wheels
- Fuel system
- Exhaust system and emissions
- Seats and seatbelts
- Windscreen and mirrors
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
- Lights
- Battery & electrical wiring
- Body structure and condition
- Towbar
- Horn
- Registration plates and VIN
In the rest of this article we’ll delve a bit deeper into the different aspects of an MOT and what testers are looking for.
Tyres & Wheels
- The wheels will be inspected to ensure they are in good condition and free from damage such as buckling and major cracks which would impair the function.
- The load index and speed rating of the tyre must be appropriate for the vehicle.
- The minimum tread depth needs to be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference. Anything less than 3mm will be listed as an advisory/ minor point.
- The tyre must also be free from tread separation, lumps and budges, any cuts in excess of 25mm, or exposure of the cord.
- Vehicles first used on or after 01/01/2012 will also be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) functions correctly.
- Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected during an MOT.
Fuel System, Exhaust System & Emissions
During an MOT test, the vehicle will also be assessed according to its age and fuel type to make sure it meets the rules for the fuel system, exhaust system and emissions.
- The fuel system is inspected to ensure that there are no leaks, no damage to the hose or pipes, and that the fuel caps closes and seals securely.
- The exhaust system will also be assessed to ensure it is free from leaks, is fitted securely, and does not produce excessive noise. The catalytic converter must also be present in vehicles which were originally fitted with one.
- The car’s carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions will be tested to make sure they are within the legal limit. The exhaust will also be visually checked for excessive smoke.
Seatbelts & Seats
The seatbelts and seats will be inspected to ensure:
- All mandatory seatbelts are in place, suitable for the vehicle, function properly, attach securely and are in good overall condition.
- The seatbelt warning lights and airbag indicator lights function correctly.
- The seats can be adjusted and that all the seat-backs can be fixed in the upright position.
Windscreen & Mirrors
A series of checks are also carried out on the windscreen and wing/ rear-view mirrors:
- The wiper blades will be inspected to ensure they function correctly and are not overly worn, so that the driver can clearly see the road in inclement conditions.
- The condition of the windscreen (e.g. cracks and chips) will be inspected. There must not be any damage or obstruction to the view from the driver’s side larger than 10mm. Outside this area, any damage or obstruction must be limited to 40mm or less.
- The rear-view and wing mirrors must be checked for any cracks or damage.
Brakes
During an MOT, the brakes will also be checked to make sure the vehicle stops efficiently. The condition of the brake pads, brake discs and callipers will also be assessed to ensure they are not overly worn and due for replacement. The brakes are checked both visually, and using a roller brake tester to assess the efficiency.
Steering & Suspension
The steering wheel must be secure and the components must be free from damage. The power steering fluid will also be checked to make sure that at least the minimum amount is present in the reservoir. The steering wheel lock mechanism is also assessed.
Suspension components are checked for excessive corrosion or distortion. This includes a combination of visual and manual checks to assess the amount of “play” in the suspension.
Lights
All lights will be inspected including the headlamps, brake lights, indicators, daytime running lamps, registration plate lamps, fog lights, and reflectors to ensure they are functional, in the correct position, and are the correct colour.
Electrical Wiring & Battery
All electrical wiring will be checked to ensure it is secure and undamaged. The car’s battery must also be secure and not shown any signs of leaking.
Body Structure and Condition
The vehicle structure will be assessed to ensure it is free from excessive corrosion or damage, and that there are no sharp edges which could cause injury. The doors, bonnet and boot will also be checked to make sure they open and close properly, and that the hinges and latches are in good working order.
Towbars
The towbar will be inspected to ensure it is in good overall condition, free from inappropriate modification, and is secure. The electrical socket and speedometer will also be inspected.
Horn
The car’s horn will also be inspected to make sure it functions properly and is suitable for the vehicle. It must sound a uniform note and be loud enough to be heard by other road users.
Registration Plates
The vehicle registration plate will be checked to make sure:
- It is in good condition – free from cracks, peeling, bubbling, or other deformities.
- It is securely attached to the car.
- The colours are correct and it is printed on reflective material marked with the British Standard Number.
- It is marked to show who supplied the plate.
- The numbers and letters are corrected spaced.
- The car will also be checked to ensure that only a single vehicle identification number (VIN) is displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions About MOT Tests
What is the difference between dangerous, major, minor and advisory results?
When you receive the results of an MOT (or check the MOT history of a car online), you may see the following categorisation of issues:
- Dangerous – these result in an MOT fail and mean the car cannot be driven.
- Major – these result in an MOT fail and will require the car to be immediately repaired. The car can be driven if the previous MOT is still valid and you are driving it to be repaired.
- Minor – the vehicle will still pass the MOT if no other major or dangerous results are listed, however they need prompt attention.
- Advisories – these should be monitored for future repairs but are not immediate issues.
What is the Difference Between an MOT & Service?
An MOT is a mandatory legal test that needs to be performed annually. It checks that the vehicle meets the legal standards to be considered road worthy but does not check the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox. A service on the other hand, is non-mandatory but highly recommended to keep the car in good working order and reduce the chance of breakdowns.
Most cars need to be serviced annually or every 10,000 miles (whichever comes first), so it’s common to book a car in for an MOT and service at the same time.
When should you get an MOT?
In the UK, you must get an MOT for your vehicle the day before the third anniversary of its registration, and every anniversary after that. For example, a vehicle registered on the 15th March 2024, would have its first MOT due on the 14th March 2027.
The MOT then lasts for 1-year before it expires. You can get a new MOT up to a month minus a day before it runs out and still keep the same renewal date. For example, if your MOT runs out on the 15th May, the earliest you can get an MOT and still keep the same renewal date for the following year is the 16th April.
You can check a vehicle’s MOT history online by visiting: https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
You can then enter the vehicle registration and it will tell you when the MOT is valid until, along with any previous MOT history.
What happens if the car fails an MOT?
If the car has any “dangerous” or “major” problems, it will fail an MOT test. According to gov.uk, you can drive a vehicle that has failed its MOT test as long as the current MOT is still valid, and no “dangerous” problems were listed on the MOT. Otherwise, it will need to be repaired and re-tested so it passes the MOT before it can be driven again.
How long does an MOT take?
Most MOT tests take around an hour to complete. If any repairs are required, the process will take longer.
What does MOT stand for?
MOT stands for “Ministry of Transport”. The test was first introduced in 1960 by this government department.
What is the most common fail on an MOT?
The most common MOT failures are caused by:
- Lightbulbs not functioning correctly.
- Poor tyre condition.
- Faults relating to “driver’s view of the road” e.g. mirrors and wipers.
How do I book an MOT in Worcester?
With over 30 years of experience servicing and MOT testing cars in Worcester, we’re the best place to call when you’re looking to get your vehicle tested and looked after. Get in touch today by calling 01905 915121.