Pre-MOT checks for before your test

By Tia Harrison-North

Last updated: 12 May 2025

Pre-MOT checks might sound counterintuitive, but giving your car a look over before the big test can help you spot the minor issues that could equal a fail.

There are a few things you can do to make sure your car is properly prepped, and these can increase your chances of passing first time.

Keeping up with car servicing can also ensure your vehicle is in top condition ahead of its MOT.

Take a look at our pre-MOT check recommendations in our guide below.

Pre-MOT checks you can do yourself

Tyres

If you’re not regularly checking your tyres then add it to your monthly to do list.

Ahead of your MOT, you’ll want to make sure the tread is at a passable and safe level.

You can get a cheap tool to measure the depth, or you can try the 20p test. You’ll just need to get a 20p coin and push it into the tread groove – if the outer ring of the coin is still visible then it’s probably time for some fresh tyres.

Exhaust

Checking the exhaust can be a bit tricky if you’re not a professional, but it can be a good start to stand at a safe distance and have a proper listen as the car is started up and revved.

You can also test the exhaust if you’re out in the fresh air by putting on some protective gloves, getting a thick old cloth or towel, and holding it against the exhaust pipe. With the engine running, the exhaust should push the cloth away easily. If it doesn’t do this, there’s likely to be an issue with the system.

Be really careful if you do attempt this as the exhaust can get hot. And make sure you’re not testing it in an enclosed space like a garage, to avoid any fumes.

Registration plates

Are your number plates securely attached and in good condition? Damages to the plate can mean an MOT failure if you can’t read the digits clearly.

Wipers and windscreen

Ideally, you’ll want no chips or scratches on your windscreen for your MOT (or at any time, really).

The maximum damage size for an MOT pass is 10mm in the driver’s line of vision, or 40mm anywhere else within the wiper sweeping area.

You’ll also want to check your wipers to make sure they give you a nice smooth clean. They’re easy and inexpensive to replace as well, so no big deal if they’re looking a bit juddery.

Horn

Give it a honk. We’re serious – maybe don’t do it at night or in a crowded area, but a quick test of your horn will quickly tell you if it’s working or not.

A horn that doesn’t work is an MOT fail, so it’s worth giving it a go.

Suspension

Take a walk around your car (while it’s parked and in a safe spot) and see if everything looks level. Suspension issues can cause the car to sit lopsided or lower in places, and might even cause strange noises as you drive.

You can also test the suspension by carefully pushing down each corner of the car. It should bounce back up – so keep an eye out for any sagging or lack of spring back.

Mirrors

You need securely fixed, adjustable mirrors that are in good condition to pass an MOT. If any are missing or in bad nick, it’ll be a fail.

Steering wheel

Give your steering wheel a twist while parked and stationary to make sure it feels firm and secure.

If you have power steering, the wheel should return to its original position when you turn off the engine.

Brakes

Test your handbrake by parking in a safe spot and using the footbrake, then lift your handbrake up and down to get a sense of how it feels.

If the handbrake feels slack, travels too far or you hear more than three to four clicks then it might be wearing out.

Seats and seatbelts

Make sure your seats can be locked in place and stay upright to ensure you pass the MOT.

They should also be adjustable though, as seats that stay locked completely in place and don’t move can also mean a fail.

You’ll also want to make sure your seatbelt clicks into place securely and returns back into the holder when undone.

Removing a seatbelt could also lead to an MOT failure.

Lights

Lights are a common MOT failure so it’s a good idea to give them a check over before the big test.

When safely parked, run through all your light settings and have someone walk around the car to check they’re all working.

Don’t forget your brake lights and indicators, and consider giving your lights a polish before the test if they’ve clouded up.

What’s checked in an MOT?

The MOT test is a legal requirement in the UK as you can’t drive a car on the roads if it doesn't have a valid certificate.

It’s a standardised test that checks the safety of your car to decide whether it’s road worthy.

This is different to a car service that will look at the mechanics of the vehicle and its upkeep, checking things like fluid levels and filters.

The MOT tester will look at the inside, outside and electrical elements of the car. You can read about the full process in our guide on what’s checked in an MOT, but it covers areas like:

• Car body and structure

• Towbars

• Doors

• Tyres and wheels

• Registration plates

• Lights

• Wipers and washers

• Windscreen

• Seatbelts and seats

• Horn

• Mirrors

• Emissions, exhaust and fuel system

• Brakes

• Steering and suspension

• Wiring and battery system

Common MOT fails

MOT failures can happen for all kinds of reasons, but one of the most common is lighting and signalling issues.

This makes sense, as lights and signals aren’t things you see for yourself a lot of the time. That’s why it’s a good idea to check things like your indicators and brake lights ahead of your test.

Suspension issues can also be a common cause of failure. If you’re not clued up on cars or rarely take a look underneath, you might not notice a suspension fault for a while. Give it a push down on all corners like we suggested above, and this should help you spot any problems before your test.

Other common reasons for an MOT failure include:

• Issues with brakes

• Worn tyres

• Cracks to the windscreen and other visibility issues

• Rust and other structural issues

• Fuel and exhaust system problems

• Seatbelts that aren’t functioning properly

• Problems with the steering

Book your MOT

Once you’ve got your pre-MOT checks out the way and have sorted any faults, you’re prepped for the test and will hopefully pass with no issues.

Keep in mind that things might still pop up – MOT testers are professionals and will take an in depth look at your car, so might spot things you’ve missed.

Read more about MOTs:

• How much is an MOT?

• Can I drive without an MOT?