If your car is due its MOT, knowing what to expect can save you stress, time, and money- this complete MOT testing guide will walk you through the process and share practical tips to help you pass with confidence.

What is an MOT Test:

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is designed to check that your vehicle is still roadworthy according to the DVSA’s legal safety and environmental standards. It’s mandatory for most vehicles to be tested every year after the vehicle is 3 years’ old, for other vehicles such as taxis or vans, rules vary.

What to Expect During an MOT:

Below is a full list of the areas that will be checked as part of your MOT:

• Exterior and body: This includes checking the boot, bonnet, doors, towbar and seats. They will be inspected for any damage, excessive corrosion or dangerous sharp edges that may be exposed. They will also check that every door (including the bonnet and boot) is able to close securely.
• Electrical: This includes all electrical systems are in good condition; lights, electrical wiring, and battery.
• Suspension and steering: Steering, suspension systems and brakes will be checked to make sure they operate properly, and tyres, wheels will be checked for their condition, such as tread depth.
• Visibility and safety: This includes checking that the wipers, washers, horn and seatbelts all function correctly, and that the windscreen and mirrors are clear and undamaged.
• Engine: Your vehicle’s fuel system, exhaust systems and exhaust emissions will be checked. For your fuel and exhaust systems, there must be no leaks or damage to the pipes, and your exhaust emissions check will depend on the age and fuel type of your vehicle.

Your MOT will usually take around 50 minutes and you are welcome to wait with your vehicle if you want, and enjoy the complimentary coffee, biscuits and magazines available.

Common Reasons Cars Fail Their MOT

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take a major issue (such as engine failure) for your vehicle to fail its MOT. You may be surprised to learn that some of the most common reasons for vehicles to fail can be quite small, as listed below:

• Faulty bulbs: It’s our experience that nearly one in five cars fails its MOT as a result of lighting and signalling issues, which could be for something as simple as a blown bulb.
• Poor tyre condition: An estimated 10% of all MOT test fails are due to tyres, this can be from damage to the tyres (such as cuts, bulges or debris), tread depth being below the 1.6mm minimum or faults with the tyre pressure monitoring system.
• Brake issues: Approximately one in ten MOT failures are due to brake issues. Overworn brake pads, low levels of brake fluid, or other brake-related issues could all result in a fail.
• Driver’s view of the road: This includes anything obscuring your mirrors, or damage to windscreen wipers; anything that may impede your ability to see clearly when driving. Large chips in your windscreen and empty windscreen washer reservoir could also fail you.

How to Prepare Your Car to Pass First Time

According to the DVSA, nearly 50% of all MOT failures could have been avoided by carrying our regular, simple maintenance.

These are some simple pre-checks that you can perform at home before your MOT:

• Lights and indicators: Make sure that all your exterior lights are cleaned and not damaged in any way; headlights, brake lights, and indicators. You should also turn on all of your lights in turn to make sure that they function properly. This includes high beams and fog lights.
• Tyre tread and pressure: Check that each of your tyres are free from any debris lodged in it (which could cause issues down the line), free from any cracks or bulges, and that the tread depth is comfortably above the 1.6mm minimum. You can check tread depth using the 20p trick.
• Top up your fluids: You should check all the relevant fluid levels within your vehicle before your MOT. This includes brake fluid, engine oil, engine coolant, transmission fluid, screen wash and power steering fluid. This may be done using a dipstick (for your engine) or by checking the level on the side of each tank. If you are unsure how to check this or how regularly the respective fluids needs changing, you can find out here.
• Registration plates: Although registration plates are not a common reason for MOT failures, they’re easy to check and, if needs be, fix before your appointment. Registration plates should be clean, clear and legible, and should only be in a font approved by the DVLA.

Book Your Next MOT Now

Keeping your car safe and roadworthy doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, most vehicles pass their MOT without issue- and if any problems do come up, we’re here to put them right. Book your MOT with our trusted John Delany Motors team today and drive away with complete confidence.