What’s Checked During an MOT Test?

What’s Checked During an MOT Test?If your car is over three years old, it's required by UK law to undergo an annual MOT test. This check ensures your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. At Hon Car Service, we…

An MOT checks whether a vehicle meets the required road-safety and environmental standards on the day of the test. It covers items such as brakes, tyres, lights, steering, suspension, visibility, seatbelts, bodywork and emissions.

At HON CAR SERVICE, we help drivers arrange MOT testing, servicing, inspections and repairs in and around Southampton.

What does an MOT test check?

1. Lights and signalling

• Headlights and sidelights
• Brake lights
• Indicators and hazard lights
• Rear fog lights
• Number-plate lights
• Reflectors and lamp condition

2. Steering and suspension

The tester checks for excessive play, insecure components, damage, leaks and other defects that could affect safe handling. Broken springs, worn joints or abnormal movement may be recorded.

3. Brakes

Braking performance is tested, along with visible condition and security. The parking brake and relevant warning indicators may also be checked.

Grinding, a soft pedal, pulling or reduced braking should be investigated before the MOT.

4. Tyres and wheels

• Tread depth and wear
• Cuts, bulges and other damage
• Tyre security and suitability
• Wheel condition and fasteners

For most cars, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the complete circumference.

5. Windscreen, wipers and washers

The windscreen must provide the required view, and the wipers and washers must clear the relevant area effectively. Chips and cracks are assessed according to their position and severity.

6. Seatbelts and seats

• Seatbelt condition
• Locks, buckles and retractors
• Secure mounting points
• Seat security

7. Exhaust and emissions

The exhaust must be secure and free from unacceptable leaks. Emissions are assessed according to the vehicle’s fuel type, age and applicable requirements.

8. Body and structure

The tester looks for dangerous corrosion, sharp edges, insecure panels and structural defects that may affect safety.

9. Registration plates and VIN

Registration plates should be clean, legible and secure. The vehicle identification number must be identifiable where required.

10. Horn and warning lights

The horn should operate correctly. Dashboard warning lights may indicate faults that require investigation, depending on the vehicle and the system involved.

What is not included in an MOT?

An MOT is not a full mechanical service. It does not provide a complete assessment of future reliability, engine condition, clutch wear, gearbox condition or every electrical component.

Regular servicing remains important even when the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate.

How can I prepare for an MOT?

• Check every exterior light.
• Inspect tyres for tread and damage.
• Test the brakes and parking brake.
• Clean the windscreen and check the wipers.
• Top up screenwash.
• Check for warning lights, smoke, leaks or unusual noises.
• Arrange a pre-MOT inspection if you are unsure.

Preparation can reduce avoidable defects, but no inspection can guarantee that the official MOT will result in a pass.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an MOT take?

The test time depends on the vehicle and testing centre. Ask the centre when booking for its current expected timing.

Does a service include an MOT?

Not automatically. An MOT and a service are separate products, although they may sometimes be booked together.

Can I drive after an MOT failure?

That depends on the recorded defects, the vehicle’s existing MOT status and whether it remains safe and legal to drive.

Where can I check my MOT history?

Use the official GOV.UK MOT-history service to check previous results, expiry dates and recorded advisories.

Book your MOT with HON CAR SERVICE

HON CAR SERVICE can help arrange MOT testing, servicing, inspections and repairs for many makes and models. Visit our MOT and service options or start an online quote using your registration and postcode.