For those who still require an MOT on their
vehicle, the current information from the DFT
regarding MOT requirements are:
1. About the MOT
The MOT tests some important items on your
vehicle to check that they meet the legal
standards.
It isn’t the same as having your vehicle serviced
and doesn’t check its general mechanical
condition.
The test doesn’t cover the condition of the:
• engine
• clutch
• gearbox
2. Parts tested in the MOT
These are some of the important parts of your
car that will be checked in the MOT.

Body, vehicle structure and
general items
These will be inspected to check that:
• they’re free from excessive corrosion
or damage in specific areas
• there are no sharp edges likely to
cause injury
2.2 Towbars
Towbars will be inspected for:
• secureness
• condition
• inappropriate repairs or modification
The MOT tester will also check that:
• the 13 pin electrical socket is working
correctly
• the speedometer is in good working
order
• the engine mountings are secure
2.3 Fuel system
The fuel system will be inspected to check
that:
• there are no leaks
• the pipes and hoses are secure and in a
good condition
• the fuel cap fastens and seals securely
You should make sure that the key is available
as the fuel cap will need to be opened.
2.4 Exhaust emissions
The vehicle will be inspected, depending on
the age and fuel type of the vehicle, to check
that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.
Diesel vehicles
The MOT tester will refuse to test your vehicle
if they think that the smoke test may damage
your engine.
You should tell them at the start of the MOT
if you think this may happen.

To reduce the possibility of damage and
increase the chances of passing, you should:
• keep your vehicle maintained at all times
• have the camshaft drive belt replaced at
the recommended intervals
• go for the MOT with a fully warmed up
engine – it will produce less smoke and is
safer to test
• not tamper with the governor settings
2.5 Exhaust system
The exhaust system will be inspected to
check that:
• it’s secure and complete
• a catalyst isn’t missing where one was
fitted as standard
• it’s without serious leaks and not too noisy
2.6 Seatbelts
The vehicle will be inspected to check that:
• the mandatory seatbelts are in place
• they are suitable for the vehicle
• they are in a good condition
• they work properly
• they are attached securely
The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or
dashboard warning lights will be checked
for the:
• air bags
• seatbelt pretensioners (which remove
the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a
collision)
• seatbelt load limiters (which release a
small amount of belt when it’s too tight)
2.7 Seats
These will be inspected to check that:
• the driver’s seat can be adjusted
• all seats are securely fitted and that seat
backs can be fixed in the upright position
2.8 Doors
These will be inspected to check that:
• the latch is secure in the closed position
• the front doors open from inside and
outside the vehicle
• the rear doors open from outside the
vehicle
• hinges and catches are secure and in a
good condition
2.9 Mirrors
The vehicle will be inspected to check for the
minimum number of mirrors, their condition
and security. Indirect vision devices will also
inspected.
2.10 Load security
The vehicle will be inspected to check that the
boot or tailgate can be closed properly.
2.11 Brakes
These will be inspected to check:
• their condition, including inappropriate
repairs or modifications
• their operation and performance (the
efficiency test) – the wheels and trims
aren’t removed as part of the test
• the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and
electronic stability control (ESC) (where
fitted)
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also
be checked for the ABS, ESC, electronic park
brake and brake fluid warning lights.
2.12 Tyres and wheels
These will be inspected to check for:
• condition
• security
• tyre size and type
• tread depth

wheels and tyres are not inspected.
Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012
will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) MIL is working.
2.13 Registration plates
These will be inspected to check for:
• condition
• secure attachment
• colour
• characters correctly formed and spaced
2.14 Lights
These will be inspected to check:
• their condition
• operation, including high intensity
discharge (HID) and light emitting
diode (LED)
• the headlamps for cleaning, self
levelling and security
• headlamp aim
• main beam warning light working
2.15 Bonnet
This will be inspected to check that it closes
securely.
2.16 Wipers and washers
These will be inspected to check that they work
properly so the driver has a clear view of the
road.
2.17 Windscreen
The windscreen will be inspected to
check for:
• condition
• the driver’s view of the road
2.18 Horn
This will be inspected to check:
• that it works properly
• it’s suitable for the vehicle
2.19 Steering and suspension
These will be inspected to check:
• their condition
• steering oil level
• they work correctly
• for inappropriate repairs or modification
including corrosion to power steering
pipes or hoses
• that the steering lock mechanism works
properly
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also
be checked for the electronic power steering
and steering lock.
2.20 Vehicle identification
number (VIN)
The VIN will be on vehicles first used on or after
1 August 1980. Your car will be inspected to
check that a single VIN is displayed, except on
multistage build vehicles (eg van conversion,
BMW, Alpina etc).
2.21 Electrical
Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be
checked.