If you own a car in the UK, getting an annual MOT test is a legal requirement to ensure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. For many drivers, the MOT test can be a stressful experience, especially if they’re unsure what to expect or how to prepare. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about MOT tests, from what happens during the inspection to how you can easily increase your chances of passing.
If you need them, we have a few tips on easy new driver maintenance that can help ensure your car stays in tip-top condition and has a better chance of passing its next MOT test.
What is an MOT test?
An MOT test is a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure it meets the minimum legal safety and emissions standards. Conducted at certified MOT testing stations, this test checks various components of your car, including lights, brakes, tyres, emissions, and structural integrity. Vehicles over three years old must undergo an MOT test every year.
If your car fails, you’ll need to repair the issues before obtaining an MOT certificate, which allows your vehicle to be legally driven on the road. If your car passes, you’ll receive an MOT certificate valid for one year.
What to expect during an MOT test
When you take your car to an MOT testing centre, a certified mechanic will inspect key areas of the vehicle, including:
Lighting and Signaling – Headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, and hazard warning lights must all be functional and correctly aligned.
Braking System – The efficiency of your brakes is tested, along with the handbrake and ABS warning lights.
Tyres and Wheels – Tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth and no visible damage like cuts or bulges.
Suspension and Steering – Components are checked for wear and tear to ensure safe handling and control.
Exhaust System and Emissions – The exhaust must be secure with no leaks, and emissions must be within legal limits.
Seatbelts and Safety Features – All seatbelts must work properly, and safety mechanisms like airbags should function correctly.
Windscreen, Wipers, and Washers – The windscreen should be free from excessive damage, and wipers must effectively clear rain from the screen.
Body and Structural Integrity – The car should be free from excessive rust or corrosion in key structural areas.
Registration Plate and Vehicle Identification – The number plate must be clear and correctly spaced, while the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) should match official records.
The test usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour. If your car passes, you’ll receive a certificate. If it fails, the tester will provide a list of issues that need fixing before a retest.
Common MOT Failure Points and Quick Fixes
Some of the most common reasons for MOT failures include:
Lights not working – Check and replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Worn tyres – If your tyres are close to the legal limit, consider replacing them.
Brakes and handbrake issues – If they feel unresponsive, get them checked.
Worn wiper blades – If they leave streaks or don’t clear rain properly, replace them.
Excessive emissions – Using premium fuel or an engine cleaning additive before the test can help reduce emissions.
How to pass an MOT test
To make things as simple as possible, we have outlined some ways you can ensure your car passes its upcoming MOT test, providing it has no egregious faults.
Carry out a pre-MOT check
Before taking your car for its test, perform a few simple checks to increase your chances of passing. Many MOT failures are due to minor, avoidable faults. Check that all lights are working, top up essential fluids like oil, brake, and washer fluid, and ensure your tyres meet the legal tread depth requirements.
Keep your car clean and presentable
While it won’t directly cause a failure, a dirty or cluttered car may give the impression of poor maintenance. Ensure your car is clean, especially around the registration plates, mirrors, and lights, as testers need clear visibility for their checks.
Address dashboard warning lights
Any illuminated warning lights on your dashboard could result in a failed test. Check your owner’s manual to understand what the warning lights mean and resolve any issues before your MOT.
Test your brakes and handbrake
Soft or ineffective brakes are a common MOT failure. If your brakes feel unresponsive or your handbrake is loose, get them checked by a mechanic before your test.
Check the windscreen and wipers
A small chip in your windscreen may be fine, but anything obstructing the driver’s view could fail. Also, replace worn-out wiper blades to ensure they clear the windscreen properly.
Ensure your exhaust system is in good condition
A noisy or rattling exhaust can indicate leaks or damage. Check the exhaust before the test to see if your car has emitted excessive smoke or made unusual noises.
Monitor emissions and engine health
If your car emits excessive smoke or struggles with acceleration, it may fail due to high emissions. Taking your vehicle on a longer motorway drive before the test can help clear carbon build-up in the engine.
Make sure your number plate is correct
The registration plate must be securely attached and clearly readable. Ensure no dirt obstructs it and that the font and spacing comply with legal requirements.
What happens if you fail your MOT?
If your car fails, the testing centre will provide a ‘refusal of MOT certificate’ detailing the reasons. You cannot legally drive your car unless your previous MOT is still valid and your vehicle is deemed roadworthy. If the test identifies ‘dangerous’ faults, you won’t be allowed to drive the car until it’s repaired.
Many MOT stations offer a free retest if repairs are done within 10 working days at the same garage. If you take the car elsewhere for repairs, you may need to pay for a full retest.
Major fault vs advisory on an MOT
Understanding the difference between a major fault and an advisory on an MOT is crucial, as it determines whether your car can legally be driven or if repairs are recommended for the future.
A major fault is a serious issue that affects the safety of the vehicle, other road users, or the environment. If your car receives a major fault, it will fail the MOT, and you must fix the problem before driving the vehicle again. While you may still be able to take the car elsewhere for repairs if your previous MOT is valid, major faults should be addressed immediately.
Examples of major faults:
- Faulty brakes that compromise stopping power
- Excessive emissions exceeding legal limits
- Tyres with tread depth below 1.6mm
- Structural corrosion affects the car’s safety
An advisory is a minor issue that isn’t serious enough to cause a failure but could worsen over time. While your car can still pass the MOT with an advisory, it is recommended that you address these issues before they develop into major faults.
Examples of advisories:
- Tyres is approaching the legal tread limit
- Minor oil leaks that aren’t yet severe
- Slight corrosion that isn’t structural
- Brake pads are worn but still within safe limits
Ignoring advisories can lead to more costly repairs in the future, so it’s wise to address them proactively.
Some cars are MOT exempt in the UK: Is yours one of them?
Certain cars are exempt from the annual MOT test in the UK, typically due to their age or specific use. Here’s a breakdown of the key exemptions:
Cars over 40 years old
Vehicles older than 40 years are generally exempt from the MOT test. However, the vehicle must not have been substantially modified from its original condition. This exemption is based on the idea that older cars are less likely to be used frequently and may not pose the same road safety risks.
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Some electric vehicles are exempt from the MOT test for a period, but this only applies in the early years of the car’s life. They are still subject to other safety and insurance requirements.
Vehicles not used on public roads
If a vehicle is not driven on public roads (e.g., stored in a private area or used solely for agricultural purposes), it may not require an MOT test.
New cars
Brand-new cars don’t need an MOT until they are three years old.
Vehicles used exclusively for racing
Vehicles that are exclusively used for racing or off-road events may be exempt from MOT tests as long as they are not used on public roads.
Keep in mind, even if your car is exempt from the MOT test, it must still meet legal standards for safety, emissions, and roadworthiness if you’re using it on public roads.
Final tips for a stress-free MOT
Book your MOT in advance – Don’t leave it until the last minute, as you may struggle to find an appointment.
Use a trusted garage – Some garages may fail cars unnecessarily to upsell repairs. Research reviews before booking your test.
Keep service records – A well-maintained car is more likely to pass. Keeping records of past services can help with potential disputes.
Don’t ignore small issues – Fix minor problems before they escalate into costly failures.
With proper preparation and regular maintenance, passing an MOT can be straightforward. Follow these tips to increase your chances of getting that all-important certificate without unnecessary hassle or expense.
