MOT Checklist: What to Check Before Your MOT

Check all exterior lights

Lights are one of the easiest things to check before an MOT. Walk around your vehicle and make sure the following are working correctly:

Headlights
Brake lights
Indicators
Hazard lights
Fog lights
Reverse lights
Number plate lights

Ask someone to help you check your brake lights, or carefully use a reflection in a window or garage door. If a bulb has failed, it is usually a simple issue to fix before the MOT.

Check your tyre tread and tyre condition

Your tyres must be safe, legal and in good condition. Before your MOT, check the tread depth, tyre pressure and look for any visible damage, including cuts, cracks, bulges or uneven wear.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference. If your tyres are close to the limit, damaged or wearing unevenly, it is worth getting them checked before your test.

Tyres affect braking, handling and safety, so they are one of the most important areas to inspect before your MOT.

Check your windscreen, wipers and screenwash

Your windscreen should give you a clear view of the road. Chips, cracks or damage in the driver’s line of sight can cause MOT issues, especially if they affect visibility.

Your wipers should clear the screen properly without smearing, juddering or leaving large areas untouched. If the rubber is split or worn, replacing the wiper blades before the MOT is a simple way to avoid a potential failure.

You should also make sure your screenwash is topped up. An empty screenwash bottle can result in an MOT failure because the washers need to work correctly.

Listen and feel for brake problems

You may not be able to fully inspect your braking system yourself, but you can still look out for warning signs.

Before your MOT, pay attention to:

Squeaking or grinding noises
Vibration when braking
A spongy brake pedal
The car pulling to one side
Reduced braking performance
Dashboard brake warning lights

If your brakes do not feel right, it is better to get them checked before your MOT. Brakes are one of your vehicle’s most important safety systems, and any concerns should be inspected by a trained technician.

Make sure your number plates are clean and legal

Your front and rear number plates must be clean, secure and easy to read. Before your MOT, check that they are not cracked, faded, loose, heavily damaged or covered in dirt.

You should also check that your number plate lights are working properly. If your registration plate cannot be read clearly, it may cause an MOT failure.

Do not ignore dashboard warning lights

If a warning light is showing on your dashboard, do not ignore it before your MOT. Warning lights relating to systems such as the engine, ABS, airbags, brakes or emissions may result in a failed MOT, depending on the issue.

Even if your car feels normal to drive, a warning light can indicate a fault that needs attention. If you are unsure what a warning light means, your local Startin Group team can inspect the vehicle and advise you on the next steps.

Check basic fluid levels before your MOT

An MOT is not the same as a service, but it is still sensible to check your basic fluid levels before the test.

This includes: Engine oil, Coolant, Brake fluid, Screenwash

Low fluids can sometimes point to a wider issue, and they can also affect how safe and reliable your vehicle is. If you are not confident checking these yourself, our workshop teams can help with a vehicle health check.