| A vehicle that is in good condition, that has been regularly serviced and maintained to manufacturer's specification, should be able to pass the test. However it must be remembered that items can deteriorate between services and tests. |
| |
Corrosion |
| The condition of corrosion is not easily checked and is best left to be examined during the test. |
| |
Check Your Vehicle Regularly |
| Items which can be easily checked by the owner or driver such as lights, windscreen washers, wipers, horn, mirrors, seatbelts, fuel and tyres (including pressures) should be done so regularly and just prior to the test. It can be very frustrating to receive a failure for one empty washer bottle, a torn wiper blade and stop lamp bulb not working, not least illegal. |
| |
Check Your Lights |
| Get someone to stand outside the car while all lights front, rear and hazard are checked. Replace or repair if broken or faulty. Remember to check indicators. |
| |
Number Plate |
| Ensure that the number plates and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate are clean and legible. |
| |
Suspension |
| Check suspension by applying your weight to each corner of the car then release. The car should settle down quickly. |
| |
Brakes |
Check the operation of footbrakes and handbrakes. Also check Anti Lock breaking systems (ABS) light operation if fitted.
Check under the bonnet to ensure that the brake fluid reservoir, windscreen washer bottle and engine oil reserves are topped up correctly. |
| |
Check that seatbelts operate correctly. |
| |
Tyres |
| The examination of the tyres does not include the spare. A tyre depth of 1.6mm is the legal minimum requirement. Check tyres are inflated making sure they are not damaged. Whilst the spare tyre is not part of the test it is to be advised that a correctly inflated and legal tyre should be carried. |
| |
Windscreen |
| Check the driver's view for damage to the windscreen. Testers will check that damage is no larger than 40mm in the whole of the swept area of the screen and that in the central view of the driver, called Zone A which is 290mm wide (within the swept area and centred on the steering wheel), any damage is no larger than 10mm wide. |
| |
Exhaust and Emissions |
| To check the exhaust start the engine and from the rear of the vehicle listen for excessive noise which could indicate an exhaust leak. Emission checks are an important part of the test. Regular servicing should alleviate problems with emissions. |
| |
And Finally... |
| A general check around the vehicle should be made to ensure that the car's fuel cap is secure, mirrors are in good condition, wipers are not damaged, or split and locks work. |
| |
|
Paperwork |
| Make sure you take your V5C Vehicle Registration Document and current MOT certificate to the test. The MOT Test is not a substitute for the servicing of a vehicle or a statement of the condition of a vehicle offered for sale. |
