Pre-MOT Checklist: What Does an MOT Check? (UK)

What does an MOT check?

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. On a car, GOV.UK lists 22 areas, from the lights, brakes and tyres to the seatbelts, steering and exhaust.

Parts of a car checked at an MOT
Area	What is checked
Body, structure and general items	Free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas, with no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
Towbars	Secure, in good condition and free from inappropriate repairs or changes. The 13-pin electrical socket must work.
Speedometer and engine mountings	The speedometer works and the engine mountings are secure.
Fuel system	No leaks, pipes and hoses secure and in good condition, and the fuel cap fastens and seals securely.
Exhaust emissions	The vehicle meets the rules for exhaust emissions for its age and fuel type.
Exhaust system	Secure and complete, with no serious leaks, not too noisy, and no missing catalyst where one was fitted as standard.
Seatbelts	The required belts are in place, suitable, in good condition, work properly and are attached securely. Warning lights for the airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters are checked.
Seats	The driver's seat can be adjusted, all seats are securely fitted and seat backs can be fixed upright.
Doors	Latches are secure when closed, front doors open from inside and outside, rear doors open from outside, and hinges and catches are secure.
Mirrors	The minimum number of mirrors, their condition and security, and any indirect vision devices.
Load security	The boot or tailgate closes properly.
Brakes	Condition, how well they work (the efficiency test), and ABS and electronic stability control where fitted. Warning lights for ABS, stability control, the electronic parking brake and brake fluid are checked.
Tyres and wheels	Condition, security, tyre size and type, and tread depth. The tyre pressure warning light is checked on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012.
Registration plates	Condition, secure fixing, colour, and characters correctly formed and spaced.
Lights	Condition and operation (including HID and LED lights), headlamp cleaning, self-levelling and security, headlamp aim, and the main beam warning light.
Bonnet	It closes securely.
Wipers and washers	They work properly, so the driver has a clear view of the road.
Windscreen	Condition and the driver's view of the road.
Horn	It works properly and is suitable for the vehicle.
Steering and suspension	Condition, steering oil level, whether they work correctly, inappropriate repairs or changes, and the steering lock. Warning lights for electronic power steering and the steering lock are checked.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	A single VIN is displayed, on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980.
Electrical	Visible electrical wiring and the battery.

Source: GOV.UK: Car parts checked at an MOT. Last checked 24 October 2026.

GOV.UK lists some newer checks, added on 20 May 2018:

if tyres are obviously underinflated
if the brake fluid has been contaminated
fluid leaks posing an environmental risk
brake pad warning lights, and missing brake pads or discs
reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009
headlight washers on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 (if they have them)
daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1 March 2018

For every item that is tested and how, see GOV.UK: MOT inspection manual. For motorcycles, read GOV.UK: Motorcycle parts checked at an MOT. There are different MOT rules and processes for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Check past advisories before your MOT

Past advisories show what a tester has already noticed on your vehicle, so they are worth checking before the next test. Enter your number plate in the box at the top of this page.

On the result page, choose "I own this vehicle". The "Before your next MOT" list shows each advisory and minor defect from the last MOT as "Check before your next MOT: …". Defect details are not provided for Northern Ireland tests.

Our MOT advisories guide explains what each category means and how urgent it is.

If your vehicle fails, our MOT retest guide explains free and partial retests.

What the MOT does not check

The MOT is not the same as a service and does not check the vehicle's general mechanical condition. It does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected. The MOT is carried out without taking the vehicle apart, so it is not always possible to inspect some parts.

You are responsible for making sure your vehicle is always safe to drive. It can be unsafe even if it has a current MOT certificate.

Read GOV.UK: Car parts checked at an MOT.

Frequently asked questions

What do they check on an MOT?

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. The tester checks parts such as the lights, brakes, tyres, seatbelts, steering, suspension, exhaust and emissions. The table on this page lists every area from GOV.UK.

Is a pre-MOT check worth it?

DVSA urges drivers to carry out regular, simple checks on their vehicles to avoid MOT fails and the accidents that defects cause. You are responsible for making sure your vehicle is always safe to drive. It can be unsafe even if it has a current MOT certificate.

Can I do a pre-MOT check myself?

Yes. The checklist on this page lists simple checks from DVSA and GOV.UK guidance that you can do yourself. It does not replace the MOT: you must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT.

Is the spare tyre checked in an MOT?

No. GOV.UK says: spare wheels and tyres are not inspected.

Can I watch my MOT test?

Yes. You can watch the MOT from a viewing area, but you are not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Pre-MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist: what you can check yourself