What an MOT checks, and how to pass first time
Last reviewed 22 October 2026. General information; the MOT inspection manual on GOV.UK has the full rules.
The MOT is a yearly check that a car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards on the day of the test. It isn’t a service and it doesn’t tell you about the general mechanical condition of the car.
What the tester looks at
- Lights: every lamp works, is the right colour and is aimed correctly. Headlamp aim is one of the most common fails.
- Brakes: performance, balance side to side, and the condition of pads, discs, pipes and hoses.
- Tyres and wheels: tread depth (1.6 mm minimum), cuts, bulges and the right type and size.
- Steering and suspension: wear in joints and bushes, leaks, and springs and shock absorbers.
- Body and structure: no sharp edges, and no excessive rust in load-bearing areas.
- Exhaust and emissions: leaks, security, and exhaust gases within the limits for the engine.
- Seat belts and seats, horn, mirrors, wipers and washers.
- The driver’s view: windscreen damage and anything obstructing the view.
- Fuel system: no leaks, and a fuel cap that seals.
- Registration plates and VIN: present, legible and correct.
- Warning lights, such as the engine management light, airbag light and ABS light.
What it doesn’t check
The condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox isn’t part of the test, and the tester won’t dismantle anything. A pass means the car met the standard when it was tested. It isn’t a warranty.
Results: dangerous, major, minor and advisories
- Dangerous: a fail, and the car shouldn’t be driven until it’s repaired.
- Major: a fail. It must be repaired and the car retested.
- Minor: a pass, but it should be repaired soon.
- Advisory: a pass, with something to keep an eye on. What common advisories mean.
Quick checks that stop easy fails
- Walk round with someone to check every light, including brake lights, indicators and the number plate lamp.
- Check tread depth and look for cuts or bulges. Set the tyre pressures.
- Top up the screenwash and make sure the wipers clear the screen without smearing.
- Check the horn works, and the seat belts latch and retract properly.
- Make sure no warning lights stay on after the engine starts.
- Clean the number plates, and clear the windscreen of anything in the driver’s view, such as a sat nav in the wrong place.
- If the car has a headlight levelling dial, set it to 0.
If the car fails, many garages offer a free or reduced-price partial retest if the repairs are done there or the car comes back within a set time. GOV.UK explains the retest rules.
Check a car’s MOT history and mileage
Every MOT test since 2005, mileage flagged for drops and gaps, and advisories in plain English. Free, no sign-up.