An MOT is a check of the parts of your car that matter for safety and for the environment, on the day of the test. It covers lights, brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, seatbelts, the body, the exhaust and the driver's view of the road, among other things.
It does not cover the condition of the engine, the clutch or the gearbox. That is the bit that surprises most people, and it is why an MOT is not a service. Here is the list in plain English.
What the tester looks at
- Lights: headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights and number plate lights must work, be the right colour and be aimed correctly.
- Steering and suspension: play in the steering, worn joints, damaged springs and shock absorbers that are leaking or ineffective.
- Brakes: how well they work, how evenly, and the condition of the pads, discs, pipes and the handbrake.
- Tyres and wheels: tread depth, damage, bulges, the right size and type, and whether the wheels are secure.
- Seatbelts and seats: condition, fixing and whether the belts lock and release as they should.
- Windscreen, wipers and washers: damage in the driver's line of sight, and whether the wipers clear the screen.
- Mirrors and the horn: they must be present, secure and working.
- Body and structure: serious corrosion, sharp edges and damage near safety-critical parts.
- Exhaust, fuel and emissions: leaks, the noise level, and the exhaust gas readings.
- Registration plates and the VIN: condition, legibility and the correct format.
- Electrical wiring and battery: security, and any signs of damage.
What an MOT does not check
The test does not look at the condition of your engine, clutch or gearbox. A car can pass with an engine that is close to failing. It also does not check things like the oil level, the air filter, the coolant or the state of the cambelt.
A pass means the car met the minimum standard on the day of the test. It does not mean the car is in perfect health, and it does not promise anything about next month.
The easy checks before you come in
- Walk round the car with someone and test every light, including the number plate lights and the brake lights.
- Check the horn, and the wipers and washer fluid.
- Look at the tyres for damage and check the tread. Our guide to tyre tread depth shows how.
- Clear any warning light you can explain, and tell us about any that you cannot.
- Check there is no damage in the area swept by the wipers.
If something is found
Faults are marked dangerous, major, minor or advisory. Only the first two fail the test. We explain it in our guide to what happens if your car fails its MOT.
Quick answers
Does an MOT check the engine?
No. It checks the exhaust emissions and noise, but not the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.
Does the MOT check the oil level?
No. The oil level is not part of the test, which is why a service matters as well.
How long does an MOT take?
A Class 4 test usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, though you should allow for the time it takes to book the car in.
Do you need to service a car before an MOT?
No, but it is a good time to do it. We can do both in the same visit, so you are only without the car once.