06/05/2011
For millions of motorists across the United Kingdom, the annual MOT test is a familiar, if sometimes daunting, ritual. Far more than just a bureaucratic hurdle, the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a vital annual inspection designed to ensure that vehicles over three years old meet minimum road safety and environmental standards. It’s a crucial component of keeping our roads safe and reducing vehicle emissions. But what exactly happens during an MOT test? What do inspectors look for, and how can you ensure your vehicle is ready for its examination? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the MOT, from the initial checks to understanding your results.
The MOT test is a thorough visual and operational inspection of your vehicle's most important components. It's not a service, so it won't check the mechanical condition of your engine or change your oil, but it will confirm that your vehicle is roadworthy and that its exhaust emissions meet legal requirements. Without a valid MOT certificate, your car is not legally allowed to be driven on public roads, and your insurance may be invalidated.
The Purpose and Scope of the MOT Test
The primary purpose of the MOT test is to reduce the number of accidents caused by mechanical failures and to limit the environmental impact of road vehicles. It's a snapshot in time, assessing the condition of your vehicle on the day of the test. The test covers a wide range of vehicle parts, from the structural integrity of the chassis to the functionality of your lights and the efficiency of your brakes. It applies to most vehicles used on public roads in Great Britain that are three years old or more. There are some exceptions, such as classic cars over 40 years old that are exempt, but for the vast majority of cars, vans, and motorcycles, the MOT is an annual necessity.
Where is an MOT Carried Out?
MOT tests are conducted at authorised test centres throughout the UK, identifiable by a blue sign with three white triangles. These centres employ qualified MOT testers who follow strict guidelines set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You can book your MOT at a local garage or a dedicated test centre.
What Gets Inspected During an MOT? A Detailed Breakdown
An MOT test is a systematic examination. Here's a detailed look at the key areas an MOT tester will scrutinise:
1. Vehicle Structure and Bodywork
The tester will check the vehicle's body structure for excessive corrosion or damage in vital areas that could affect its safety and integrity. This includes inspecting the chassis, subframes, and body shell. They'll also look for sharp edges that could cause injury to pedestrians or other road users.
2. Fuel System
The fuel system is checked for leaks and the condition of the fuel cap. Any fuel leaks pose a significant fire risk and will result in a failure. The fuel cap must be present and secure.
3. Exhaust Emissions
This is a critical part of the test, particularly for environmental compliance. The vehicle's exhaust emissions are measured to ensure they meet the legal limits for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. Different limits apply depending on the age and type of fuel your vehicle uses. Excessive smoke from the exhaust will also lead to a failure.
4. Tyres and Wheels
Tyres are fundamental to road safety. The tester will check the tyre size, condition, and tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference. They'll also look for any cuts, bulges, or cord exposure that could indicate damage. Wheels are checked for cracks, distortion, and secure fitting.
5. Brakes
The braking system is perhaps the most critical safety component of your vehicle. The MOT test includes checks on brake efficiency, balance, and the condition of brake components like pads, discs, drums, and lines. A roller brake test is performed to measure the braking force of each wheel and ensure they are balanced. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light must also illuminate and extinguish correctly upon starting the engine.
6. Steering and Suspension
The steering system is checked for excessive play in the steering wheel and linkages, as well as the condition of power steering components. The suspension is examined for wear in bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers. Leaking shock absorbers or broken springs are common failure points in this section.
7. Lights
All lights on the vehicle must be present, working, correctly aligned, and of the correct colour. This includes headlights (main and dipped beam), side lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights (front and rear), reverse lights, and number plate lights. Headlight aim is particularly important, as misaligned headlights can dazzle oncoming drivers.
8. Visibility (Windscreen, Wipers, Washers)
The windscreen is checked for chips or cracks that are larger than 10mm in the 'swept area' directly in front of the driver, or larger than 40mm elsewhere in the swept area. Wipers must clear the screen effectively, and the washers must provide sufficient fluid to the windscreen. Rear view mirrors must be present, secure, and offer an adequate view.
9. Seatbelts
All fitted seatbelts are checked for condition, security, and operation. This includes ensuring they retract correctly and buckle securely. Any cuts, fraying, or malfunctioning buckles will result in a failure.
10. Horn
The horn must be working, easily operated, and produce a continuous, uniform note. It should also be loud enough to be heard by other road users.
11. Registration Plates
Both front and rear registration plates must be present, securely fitted, clean, and legible. They must also conform to the correct font and spacing regulations.
12. Warning Lights
Modern vehicles often have warning lights for various systems, such as airbags and engine management (MIL). If these lights are illuminated when they shouldn't be (e.g., after the initial self-check), it can indicate a fault that will lead to an MOT failure.
The Outcomes of an MOT Test
Once the inspection is complete, the tester will issue one of three outcomes:
- Pass: Your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards. You'll receive an MOT certificate, and your vehicle is legal to drive for another year.
- Pass with Advisories: The vehicle passes the test, but the tester has identified minor issues or components that show wear and tear, which could become more serious in the future. These are recommendations for attention, not a reason for failure, but it's wise to address them promptly.
- Fail: Significant defects have been found that mean your vehicle does not meet the legal safety or environmental standards. You will receive a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' document, detailing the reasons for failure.
Common MOT Failure Points
While many factors can lead to an MOT failure, some components appear on the failure list more frequently than others. Being aware of these can help you perform some basic checks before your test.
| Component | Common Issues Leading to Failure |
|---|---|
| Lights | Blown bulbs (headlights, brake lights, indicators), incorrect headlight aim, wrong colour bulbs. |
| Tyres | Below 1.6mm tread depth, cuts, bulges, cord exposure, incorrect tyre size for the vehicle. |
| Brakes | Excessive wear on pads/discs, imbalance between wheels, malfunctioning ABS system (warning light on). |
| Suspension | Worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs. |
| Visibility | Windscreen cracks/chips in the driver's line of sight, ineffective windscreen wipers, empty washer fluid bottle. |
| Exhaust | Excessive emissions, leaks in the exhaust system, insecure exhaust mounting. |
| Steering | Excessive play in steering components, leaking power steering fluid. |
What to Do If Your Vehicle Fails Its MOT
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you cannot legally drive it on public roads unless your previous MOT certificate is still valid and you are driving to a pre-booked appointment for repairs at a garage, or to a pre-booked MOT retest. Driving an MOT-failed vehicle carries significant penalties, including fines and points on your licence, and may invalidate your insurance.
You have a few options:
- Repairs at the Test Centre: Many test centres also offer repair services. If you have the repairs done at the same test centre and the vehicle is retested within 10 working days, a partial retest (often free) will be conducted on the failed items.
- Repairs Elsewhere: You can take your vehicle to another garage for repairs. If you bring it back to the original test centre within 10 working days, a partial retest may still apply, but some test centres charge for this. If you return after 10 working days, a full MOT test will be required again, which means paying the full fee.
It's always advisable to get a detailed explanation of the failure points from the tester and, if possible, obtain a quote for the necessary repairs. Don't delay addressing the defects; your safety and the safety of other road users depend on it.
Preparing Your Vehicle for an MOT: Top Tips for a Smooth Pass
While you can't guarantee a pass, taking some simple steps before your MOT can significantly increase your chances and potentially save you time and money.
- Check Your Lights: Walk around your car and check all lights (headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, reverse lights, number plate lights). Ask someone to help you check the brake lights. Replace any blown bulbs.
- Check Your Tyres: Inspect the tread depth (use a 20p coin – if you can see the outer band, your tread may be too low), check for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear, and ensure pressures are correct.
- Top Up Fluids: Ensure your windscreen washer fluid reservoir is full.
- Check Wipers: Ensure your windscreen wipers clear the screen effectively without smearing. Replace them if they're worn.
- Test Your Horn: Give your horn a quick blast to make sure it works.
- Clear Your Car: Remove any unnecessary clutter from the boot and interior, especially from around the driver's footwell and dashboard.
- Warning Lights: Pay attention to any warning lights on your dashboard (e.g., ABS, airbag, engine management) that remain illuminated after starting the engine. These will almost certainly result in a failure.
- Seatbelts: Ensure all seatbelts are easily accessible, un-frayed, and click in and out smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MOT
Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
Generally, no. It is illegal to drive a vehicle that has failed its MOT on public roads unless you are driving it to a pre-booked appointment for repairs at a garage, or to a pre-booked MOT retest. If your previous MOT certificate is still valid, you can continue to drive until its expiry date, provided the vehicle doesn't have 'dangerous' defects.
How long does an MOT test take?
The MOT test itself typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour. However, you should allow extra time for the test centre to process your vehicle and issue the certificate or failure document.
What happens if my MOT expires?
If your MOT expires, your vehicle is no longer legal to drive on public roads. Driving an uninsured vehicle is an offence, and your car insurance may be invalidated. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT.
Can I get an MOT early?
Yes, you can get an MOT up to a month (minus one day) before your current MOT certificate expires without losing your original renewal date. For example, if your MOT is due on 15th July, you can have it tested from 16th June and the new certificate will still be valid until 15th July the following year.
Is an MOT the same as a service?
No, an MOT is an inspection to ensure your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. A service involves maintenance tasks like oil changes, filter replacements, and checking fluid levels, which are not part of the MOT test. While some garages offer both, they are distinct processes.
Understanding what happens during an MOT test can demystify the process and help you keep your vehicle safe and legal on the road. By performing regular basic checks and addressing any issues promptly, you can approach your annual MOT with confidence.
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